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Love of the dance

At the Senior Centre in Okotoks, a variety of programs are set up so members have a choice of activities that piques their interest. A number of members are facilitators for certain programs.

At the Senior Centre in Okotoks, a variety of programs are set up so members have a choice of activities that piques their interest.

A number of members are facilitators for certain programs. Some have done this for years and therefore contribute to making our Seniors Club a good place to be.

Now that we are back in the fall activities after this hot summer, we would like to highlight line dancing.

Kathryn O’Brien has always liked to do ‘anything set to music’ and since she moved to Okotoks in 2004 she has embraced the class she leads on Wednesday mornings.

Line dancing, which she prefers to call ‘solo dancing,’ became very popular in the ’60s and has evolved from just eight patterns, set to mostly country music (remember Achy, Breaky Heart?) to many patterns, set to a wide variety of music today.

Some are choreographed by Kathryn to music she finds catchy. It seems when you are well into your eighties and have 37 years of dance experience, that is no problem.

There are, on average, 15 regular dancers in her class, including men, but there are days she has many more.

Everyone is welcome to join in, beginners and pro’s alike. Just bring your love of the dance.

At one time, Daphne Schiells was an enthusiastic dancer in Kathryn’s class and she pursued further training: She now leads another class on Mondays and you have a choice to come out and “scoot your bootie.”

It should not come as a surprise that dancing provides benefits besides friendships. Dancing a pattern, requires the head and feet to work together.

“I don’t think I would be in the shape I am now, if it had not been for dancing,” said O’Brien.

We agree. Kudos to her and Daphne.

On another note, there is a walk to fitness video session twice a week, and the number of participants is growing, but they all seem to be women. Come on men, feel free to join in. If you prefer to be outdoors, a men’s walking group will start on Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. Meet at the centre’s entrance.

All the program leaders are truly appreciated. Please check at the club at 204 Community Way for details if you want to participate or coordinate a program of your own.

For those who attended the fall supper we hope you enjoyed yourselves and thank you for your support.

The next events will likely be the corn roast and Grey Cup get together, but let’s just enjoy the great late summer weather first.

See you at the centre.

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