Line dancing is the second most popular thing seniors love to do!
Line dancing is very popular among seniors. It’s fun, there’s great camaraderie among the seniors, you don’t need a partner, and it’s an easy way to stay healthy both mentally and physically.
An activity leader at a retirement/convalescent home in California told me that line dancing is secondary to square dancing and only because square dancing is an older form of dancing and more seniors are familiar with it. Also, many seniors were in square dance clubs and went to meetings every week when they were younger.
You’ll see a lot of seniors at almost any line dancing class. There are several dances that are suitable for those with mobility issues such as ‘Tush Push’, ‘Electric Slide’, ‘Country Walkin’, ‘Dancin’ with You’ and the always lovely ‘Waltz Across Texas’ which I love love to dance to Collin Raye’s “Dreamin’ My Dreams of You”. There’s even a tongue-in-cheek line dance by Knox Rhine called “Take A Break” that doesn’t even need music! Most classes offer both basic line dances and more advanced ones.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of line dancing are obvious. Everyone benefits from exercise, and line dancing is so much fun that it doesn’t seem like exercise. I read a report that said people who linedance could possibly live ten years longer. This may or may not be true, but it’s certainly something to consider.
Here is a list of some health benefits you will enjoy if you line dance regularly:
* Improve cardiovascular and muscular strength and flexibility;
* High blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, and high blood sugar can all improve;
* Coordination improves as you work through the different movements;
* Lung capacity may increase;
* Bone strength may increase; Bone resorption can be stopped or slowed down
* Aid in weight control – Half an hour of non-stop line dancing can burn an average of 300 calories
* The social aspects of line dancing are obvious. Your comfort and the camaraderie you have with the other dancers is wonderful for your health.
Line dance videos are available everywhere
There are many line dancing DVDs and videos that seniors can buy and use to practice in the privacy of their home. This is especially good if they are afraid to go to a regular class or don’t have a class in their community that teaches senior line dancing.
Scooter Lee and Jo Thompson
The lovable and talented singer/songwriter Scooter Lee offers many classes for seniors through her non-profit organization Dancing for the Dream®, which she started with choreographer Jo Thompson.
As popular as her line dancing music was, Scooter Lee did not initially dance herself, even after being diagnosed with numerous health issues and being overweight. Eventually, after learning how to eat right, exercise, and create good habits in her life with positive thinking and positive people, she incorporated line dancing into her routine for good health. Though the damage to her joints and organs was irreversible, Lee began taking care of her own health and eventually lost about 150 pounds in five years.
Where can I find Line Dance Fun courses?
You’ll find many line dance classes for seniors only in community centers, park and recreation departments, and church groups across America, as well as in dance studio classes.
If you live in the Eastern part of America, check out the courses offered through Step In the Name of Life(TM). They have classes in at least 32 cities. Jamie Gant started the first group in Florida so his grandmother would have a place to line dance for her health. After leaving with her, he was ready to start teaching everyone. Their Goal: Eliminate Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Hypertension and More(TM).
Thanks to Renee Benzaim
