2007-03 - Jerry Flaman  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it


Well it's that time of year again when the warm weather will shortly be here. We will want to be outside and enjoying the fresh air and doing those things that one does when one can get out into the great outdoors. Cabin fever will give way to long walks with the wife (wishful thinking me thinks), the clubs will come out, dusted off and shined up, the ball glove waxed, polished and dubbined for flexibility. The activities - they are a changin' as the winter season wanes.

So what have the boys and girls been doing over the cold weather months in addition to hockey, curling and the odd game of bridge (blah)? Well if the leaders of the Activity Centres can be believed the active set have been dancing! Yes dancing. And, it's not just the old two step, lindy-hop and polka. Perhaps the interest in doing the Dance has been inspired by Dancing with the Stars and other such high profile TV shows where even those of advancing age are tripping the light fantastic paired with youthful professionals. All the high-stepping amateurs are being groomed and trained by professionals and the results are nothing short of inspiring. The local folks are taking dancing lessons in much the same way. Some are taking private dancing lessons from local dance instructors and others are taking them from association members who have developed their skills and are now sharing their dance skills with others in a fun learning environment.

From the North end of the Valley to the South Okanagan the Seniors' Centres and other service clubs are providing their facilities to members and the public to learn and engage in all forms of dance and many provide instructors from their membership. It matters not the form of the dance because all dancing is good for the body, mind and spirit not to mention the socialization opportunities and friendships to dispel long days and loneliness. All forms of dance from the basic exercise and memory types such as Line Dancing to the more sophisticated and pleasurable Ballroom Dance find their place at most venues. Round, Square and , yes even Tap dancing and clogging are available to those adventurous enough to take them on. For the more serious dancers there are Dance Clubs that meet regularly in Penticton, Summerland and Kelowna. Schedules contained in this publication indicate that dance is available within easy reach of every community in the valley. Why not keep a copy of The Seniors' Choice handy and use it as a quick reference when the spirit takes hold of you and suggests that you get out of the house and go DANCING!