How I Got My Groove Back at the Senior Center

When I was younger, I took modern dance technique classes and got frustrated when I couldn't keep up with the choreography. Now, at 64, my fellow students and I don't care if we follow the instructor's steps exactly. The teachers encourage this approach, cheering us on whether we follow their precise movements or not. Surprisingly, I often learn the choreography more easily because I'm not trying so hard.

Also, I’m no longer trying to be cool, which I admit I aimed for in my 20s. Nowadays, it’s a relief to attend classes that have a total “come as you are” vibe. Granted, there are a few fashionistas in the crowd, but there are others, like me, who unapologetically wear faded old yoga pants. Because the class level can be tailored to each individual, I often treat it as a serious workout. Therefore, I was especially surprised to discover that even dancing in our chairs offers significant fitness benefits.

While some of my classmates, like me, approach it partly for the potential vigorous workout, others take a more low-key approach, and there are days when I do, too. I’m especially inspired to share the dance floor with some students who seem to be discovering dance for the first time and are learning what their bodies can do.

I’m not alone in my passion for these classes, most of which are packed to capacity every week. Erika Sparks, 56, a fellow student, was counting down the days until she turned 55 and could qualify to take classes for older adults at her local recreation center in Wheaton, Maryland. “I come from a Latin family, and I don’t ever remember not dancing,” Sparks said. “I learned to dance as I learned to walk.”

Parenting and other responsibilities temporarily sidelined her dancing, and the pandemic shutdown greatly affected Sparks’ exercise routine. “I really needed the group activities, and I’m finally reclaiming them now.” She’s currently taking Zumba, which she said reminds her of the Latin styles she enjoyed as a young person, as well as ballet and Yuan Chi, a Chinese dance form.

“I’ve always enjoyed learning dance from other cultures because you learn about the people through it,” Sparks added. “It’s also a social activity. I’m an introverted person by nature, but this helps bring me out.”

At 62, dance teacher and founder of the Music in Me Foundation, Jane Pinczuk, has been working with older adults since she was a child, starting when she volunteered at a nursing home. Now, she teaches 10 classes a week. Her approach encourages everyone to get moving.

“Some of our students dance in chairs, and some are standing up," Pinczuk said. “Some have walkers, canes and wheelchairs, and others are up, jumping, dancing and turning.”

Pinczuk’s classes, like others I attend, include students who are non-English speakers and those with different cognitive abilities. Everyone is engaged, Pinczuk said, “because music has no boundaries; it’s not only emotional, it’s spiritual. They can feel it, and they can see it.”

She accomplishes this by employing a variety of learning methods. “We’re all wired differently,” Pinczuk said. “Some of us are more visual, some are more auditory. Percussive instruments can help people feel more comfortable if they're not used to dancing.”

These different teaching styles help get everyone moving, or as she puts it, “Many seniors, no matter your level of health, we all need to improve our flexibility, balance and strength.” Of course, consult your doctor if you have a chronic medical issue, such as arthritis or a heart condition, before starting dance classes.

If you’re ready to get your groove on in the new year, check with your local health clubs, community centers and recreation departments for class schedules. Then, you can shake everything you’ve got, just like me, Erika Sparks, and countless other older movers who revel in dancing wildly, like no one’s watching.

Do any of you take classes at your local senior center or recreation center? What classes do you take? Let us know in the comments below.