Seniors hit the floor to stay fit

Features

Discussion

April 28, 2009

This is National Dance Week, and area residents are shaking a leg, going en pointe, or getting into the groove.

By TRAVINA COLEMAN The Tahlequah Daily Press Tue Apr 28, 2009, 09:24 AM CDT

You won’t find wheelchairs or walkers at the Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center on Friday nights. Or at least, if the equipment is on site, it’s not being used much.

The folks who show up don’t need them.

Rose Marie Friend and her husband, Guy, don’t miss the opportunity to kick up their heels.

“They have a real good band,” she said. “They play what we want to hear. We always have a really nice time.”

Dancing can be magical and transforming. It can breathe new life into a tired soul, make a spirit soar, unleash locked-away creativity. It can unite generations and cultures, and inspire new romances or rekindle old ones. And it can trigger long-forgotten memories or turn sadness into joy, if only during the dance itself.

National Dance Week ise a good time to celebrate, but for those who love to dance, it’s an every-day affair.

On a more physical level, dancing can offer a great mind-body workout. Researchers are learning that regular physical activity in general can help keep our bodies – including our brains – healthy as we age.

Exercise increases the level of brain chemicals that encourage nerve cells to grow. And dancing that requires people to remember specific steps and sequences boosts brain power by improving memory skills, according to the AARP website.

Dorothy Crawford, volunteer at the senior center, said putting on the dances are hard work. But it’s worth the effort.

“We have people coming from Stilwell, Westville, and as far as Henryetta, just to come and dance,” Crawford said. “Of course, they visit, too. Sometimes they get here before the dances start.”

Jim Forst, member of Hole in the Wall Band, the musical act that plays at the center Friday nights, said the crowd is lively and fun.

“The band has been doing the dances for about 10 years now,” he said. “Everybody’s happy; it’s just like a big family.”

These dances are not just for the more mature crowd. Anyone can come and have a good time. In fact, that’s exactly what the band likes to see.

“We love to see the younger folks who come to hear the music and learn the dances of our Oklahoma seniors,” said Carl Farinelli, member of the band.

“Often visiting are a group of students from NSU and several area singles groups who tell me they want to learn the historic dances like ‘Put your little foot,’ the ‘Schottische,’ and the old Cherokee County form of square dancing.”

Crawford said it’s good for people to stay active, regardless of age.

“They [seniors] love the dances,” she said. “It’s something they look forward to. It keeps them active.”

And keeping active is important as the body gets older.

“We have some people in wheelchairs,” she said. “Their family members will [take them out of the wheelchairs] and twirl them all over the room. They enjoy it.”

Forst said sometimes the crowd can get a little rowdy.

“If we play too many slow songs, they may come up and gripe at us,” Forst said. “These people really keep moving.”

He said the dance at the Senior Citizens Center is perfect for anybody who wants to come out and have fun.

“It’s the perfect place to go if you like to dance,” Forst said. “There is no smoking, so you don’t have to worry about breathing it in. Not only that, there aren’t any kind of drunken brawls. It’s just a good clean place to dance and enjoy a potluck dinner at the break.”

What’s next

The second part in the series will focus on dance as art, featuring ballet and other classical forms.

Text Only

Features

Business Expo back for 2012
After a successful go at last year’s inaugural Business Expo in Tahlequah, organizers are excited to bring the event back in 2012.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
Pastor at peace with life in ministry
With compassion and humor, pastor Charles Duvall has shared with couples how to find and keep love alive in their marriage for half a century, and he thrives in an area many people, including pastors, avoid – hospital and nursing home work.

January 31, 2012
Reducing your home’s carbon footprint
In a world of energy-driven daily comforts, being able to “leave no trace behind” depends on a person’s ability to mimic camping conditions in an indoor setting.

January 27, 2012
Revision of rape definition more inclusive
For years, most state criminal statutes defining rape have made the requirements for proving the crime very specific.

January 26, 2012
Workforce offers veterans’ services
The Veteran Services Department of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission wants to help its own in reestablishing life as a civilian after serving the nation’s military.

January 25, 2012
Fields shares fond memories of Tahlequah
Melanie Burris Fields may live in Bixby, but the Tahlequah High School graduate has fond memories of growing up in Tahlequah.

January 24, 2012
‘Pioneer Woman’ to host TCH Hearts of Gold Gala
The Tahlequah Hospital Foundation has been hosting the Hearts of Gold Gala, a fundraiser that supports Tahlequah City Hospital, for six years.

January 23, 2012
Library improvements in works
When the newer section of the Tahlequah Public Library opened its doors in 1978, it offered patrons a state-of-the-art facility for the last years of the 20th century.

January 20, 2012
Dye makes difference in diesel
When buying diesel fuel, it is important to know the difference between the dyed and clear forms of the combustible propellant. Not knowing that difference could result in engine damage, as well as serious financial consequences.

January 18, 2012 1 Photo
Walker adds personal touch to teaching
Cherokee Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tonya Walker married into a teaching family, both her in-laws and her husband’s siblings are teachers.

January 17, 2012
More Features Headlines

Last year, Cherokee County was hit with severe snowstorms in the winter, followed by devastating floods in the spring. What have you done to protect your property, in case it happens again?

Features

Search Results

Discussion