WARMINSTER, PA – Residents and staff at Ann’s Choice performed a Middle Eastern dance recital last week in the community’s Performing Arts Center. In the spirit of the "city of brotherly love," Ann’s Choice welcomed residents from its sister community, Maris Grove in Glen Mills, Pa., who traveled to Warminster to attend the March 15 recital. A reception with Middle Eastern food followed the performance.

After months of studying the culture, food, music, and dance of several countries, the performance was the culmination of a resident dance group that began in March 2006. Led by Resident Life Director Diane Lasichak, the 22 residents who participated in the class studied the culture, dance movements and interpretations of Middle Eastern dance forms in Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco.

As the residents began to study the dance and the explanation of movement, they were more intrigued by the culture and wanted to see it firsthand. In late July, staff and the group of residents went to Casablanca, an authentic family-run Moroccan restaurant in Warrington, Pa., where they observed male and female Middle Eastern dancers, listened to the music, and enjoyed a traditional Moroccan meal together. The group was invigorated by Casablanca’s hospitality, which enhanced their experience and was carried over into their preparation for the recital.