HAPPY VALENTINEÕS DAY!
A
DANCING HEART IS A HAPPY HEART
Sometimes I need a little wake up
callÉ..a pointed, very purposeful action to remind me why I love the world of
line dancing. IÕve come to realize
that itÕs the little things that add up to the whole picture. Small things to some people maybe, but
to me, itÕs why I do what I do and why I love it. As always, itÕs the people who make it special. I try to explain to others why a line
dancing class is different than an exercise class, but until someone
experiences it, you canÕt explain the camaraderie and friendships that develop,
why certain people touch your heart and why you ask yourself over and over
again how you could be so lucky to do what you love to do.
This past
Tuesday I woke up to sleet and a windshield covered in ice. It took me 15 minutes to scrape off the
ice before resorting to a bucket of hot water. My good intentions of being early to teach my classes with
the Heritage Seniors was scrapped and I wasnÕt in the best of moods by the time
I got there. Traffic was slow and
I felt pressured and irritable. As
I rushed to get my sound system and music ready, I noticed an elderly lady
elegantly dressed, sitting on a chair while the others got ready to dance. As I progressed with the lesson, this
lady had a beaming smile on her face and her toes tapped in time to the
music. During the break I took the
opportunity to go and chat with her.
She told me that she was from Ontario, visiting her daughter here in
Calgary. She proceeded to tell me
that she loved watching us, loved the variety of music and that she was having
so much fun taking part from her chair.
She was 95 years old and while we had made her happy, she also brought a
smile to my face and instantly improved my mood. In the following class, I had the chance to talk with one of
my ladies who has had some serious health concerns. The strain of worrying was evident on her face. When we chatted, I asked her how she
was and she told me that she had more tests to be done. She said she needed to be dancing as it
was something that helped her to forget about everything else and she could be
worry free for an hour. It was
another moment that morning that made me realize that in this game of life, an
hour, short as that may be, is just long enough for some people to help get
them through their day. IÕve met
some incredible people through line dancing that I know I would have never
otherwise met and I know theyÕve been put in my path for a reason. While I may have taught them a dance,
theyÕve taught me the meaning of humility, patience, perseverance, trust,
friendship, kindness and love. It doesnÕt get any better than that.
DANCING FOR HEALTHÉ..PHYSICAL, MENTAL & EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Those of us
who are already line dancers know the benefits. It isnÕt simply getting some exercise. While many may start out with the
intention of taking a session of classes for eight weeks, many more find
themselves becoming addicted to line dancing because they love the music, the
confidence that grows from mastering a dance, the friendships that start to
form and more. If youÕre someone
contemplating joining a line dance class, below are some great reasons. For those of you already line dancing,
know that youÕre doing one of the best activities you can for total body
wellness.
Dancing is
a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an
aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. This
is especially stimulating to the mind, and one 21-year study published in the
New England Journal of Medicine found dancing can reduce the risk of
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly. In the study, participants over the age
of 75 who engaged in reading, dancing and playing musical instruments and board
games once a week had a 7 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who
did not. Those who engaged in these activities at least 11 days a month had a 63
percent lower risk! Physical activities
like playing tennis or golf, swimming, bicycling, dancing, walking for exercise
and doing housework were also studied. One of the surprises of the study was
that almost none of the physical activities appeared to offer any protection
against dementia. There can be
cardiovascular benefits of course, but the focus of this study was the
mind. There was one important
exception: the only physical
activity to offer protection against dementia was frequent dancing which lowered the risk by a
dramatic 76 percent. Of all the physical activities, dancing
involved the most mental effort.
Reading
- 35% reduced risk of dementia
Bicycling
and swimming - 0%
People
who played the hardest gained the most:
For example, seniors who did crossword puzzles four days a week had a
47% lower risk of dementia than those who did the puzzles once a week. Playing golf - 0% Dancing frequently Š 76%!
Why
dancing? Our brain constantly rewires its neural pathways, as needed. If it doesn't need to, then it won't.
Why is dancing better than other activities for improving mental capabilities?
We increase our mental capacity by exercising our cognitive processes. Intelligence: Use it or lose it . The
essence of intelligence is making decisions. And the concluding advice, when it comes to improving your
mental acuity, is to involve yourself in activities which require split-second
rapid-fire decision making, as opposed to rote memory (retracing the same
well-worn paths), or just working on your physical style. One way to do
that is to learn something new. Take a class to challenge your mind. It will stimulate the connectivity of
your brain by generating the need for new pathways. Difficult and even frustrating classes are better for you,
as they will create a greater need for new neural pathways. A dance class
can be even better. Dancing integrates several brain
functions at once, increasing connectivity. Dancing simultaneously involves kinesthetic, rational,
musical and emotional processes.
Dance often! If you can't
take classes or go out dancing four times a week, dance as much as you
can. More is better. And do it
now, the sooner the better. It's
essential to start building your cognitive reserve now.
Joe Verghese who conducted the study says dancing may be a triple benefit for the brain. Not only does the physical aspect of dancing increase blood flow to the brain, but also the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, depression and loneliness. Further, dancing requires memorizing steps which provides mental challenges that are crucial for brain health.
How
Good of a Workout is Dancing, Really?
The
amount of benefit you get from dancing depends on, like most exercises, the type
of dancing you're doing, how strenuous it is, the duration and your skill
level.
How
many calories will you burn while dancing? That depends on the type of dancing.
Here's a range of some of the most popular varieties, based on a 150-pound
person, per hour:
Swing
dancing: 235 calories/hour
Ballroom
dancing: 265
Square
dancing: 280
Ballet:
300
Belly
dancing: 380
Salsa
dancing: 420+
Aerobic
dancing: 540+
Medical researchers have reported that dancing helps to:
Reduce
stress
Increase
energy
Improve
strength
Increase
muscle tone and coordination
Lower
your risk of coronary heart disease
Decrease
blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels
Help
you manage your weight
Strengthen
the bones of your legs and hips
Condition
the body
Helps
keep the heart in shape
Builds
and increases stamina
Develops
the circulatory system
Increases
flexibility and balance
Keeps
you mentally fit
Provides
cardiovascular conditioning
Strengthens
bones
Helps
you develop strong social ties. Physical
benefits aside, dancing has a way of brightening up a person's day
Quoted
from UKÕs Linedancer Magazine, September 2006 Issue, ŅLine Dancing improves
stamina, muscle tone and coordination, is a great stress buster and energy
booster. Good for posture, strength, mobility in the lower back, and toning
calves and thighs. The British
Heart Association says it is very beneficial to health and is
recommended
by doctors, invigorates all the major organs from the brain right down to the
toes. Line dancers can cover around five miles of ground in one evening,Ó
The
following more light hearted version is from Scooter Lee (USA):
TOP 10
BENEFITS OF LINE DANCING ACCORDING TO SCOOTER LEE.
1.
Line Dancing can change the perception of aging one step at a time. Be young,
be foolish, be happy!
2.
Line Dancing produces endorphins therefore it revitalizes oneÕs energy, calms
the emotions and cleanses the mind.
3.
Line Dancers only have to be able to count to 8 and start over.
4.
You may forget where you put your keys but by golly you can remember a 64 count
line dance.
5.
Through constant observation (looking down at your feet) you are able to
identify your left from your right at least four out of five times.
6.
You bump into the nicest people on the dance floor. What a way to make friends!
7.
Line Dancers do not stop dancing because they grow old; they grow old because
they stop dancing.
8.
Line Dancers say ŅIÕd rather go line dancing than see my therapistÓ
9.
You are the age of your heart!
10.
It sure beats jogging in the snow!
Dancing Š itÕs who
I am, itÕs what I do, itÕs my life
ŅYour talent is God's gift to
you. What you do with it is your
gift back.Ó
Classes & More!
What can I
say! Classes are going extremely
well. 12 classes a week with
approximately 160 dancers keeps me hopping. The beginners who have moved up are finding themselves
challenged to learn harder dances but they are enjoying themselves and the
feeling of confidence they have when they master a tougher dance. I have a waiting list of beginners for
the fall and I expect that come September, I will have over 200 people in
classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. An extra class is being added on at Killarney Pool in the
spring for intermediate level and some classes will keep running through the
summer for the die-hard dancers who donÕt want a break. To keep up with the pace of new dances
being choreographed, I have added on some extra Saturday morning workshops and
those mornings have been full.
ItÕs given me the opportunity to teach dances that I just donÕt get
around to teaching in classes and gives us around 15-18 extra new dances
throughout the year. The mental
challenge is good, although by the end of a morning, weÕre all wiped! Dance evenings
continue to be popular and itÕs nice to have some newer dances to add to the
mix.
We have a
corporate party lined up at Ranchmans on Friday, March 16th. IÕve reserved for 40 people so let me
know if you plan to attend. Come
early (by 5:45) to get your free beef on a bun and get some dancing in before
the line dance lesson from 7:00-8:00.
Stampede Demo Team!
This year
Stampede is from July 6-15th.
The phone is already ringing with people asking about Stampede demos.
ItÕs nice when we have several months notice, but it sure makes me aware that
practice dates and venues need to be arranged, more t-shirts ordered, demo
dances need to be selected, etc.
So many of you have expressed an interest in dancing during stampede and
taking part in the many breakfasts that we attend. The schedule of following
practice dates is tentative and IÕll let everyone know as we get closer to these dates
if weÕll stick to the schedule:
Some
simple rules for Stampede Demo Team practices:
The demo team is open to any dancer currently in either Sue or AnnÕs dance classes. Dancers of all levels are welcome but they must be committed to dancing at Rope Square and must attend at least 3 of the above practice sessions and know the dances well. Practices will focus on the Rope Square demos as well as other dances that we tend to do over Stampede. The demo team costume will be the same as last year (black & red shirts and black jeans or black pants) so those new to the team will need to order a t-shirt. I will have t-shirt samples in stock by mid-April and an order will go in by the beginning of May. At this point cost of the shirt still needs to be determined but I will do my best to keep it to under $20.00 including GST. Some of you who already have shirts may want to order another as well. If youÕve never been a part of Stampede dancing, I can promise that youÕll have a great time! Stay tuned for more info as to demo team dances!
Dance Events
It seems
like ages ago that a group of us headed to Las Vegas to take in 5 days of
wonderful workshops and have fun in a city that never sleeps. Itchy feet are getting me looking at
dance events and wondering if I have time to take in an event before fall. ItÕs great to take in dance events in
other cities, meet new people, take classes from other instructors and learn
dances that we might otherwise not have the opportunity to learn.
Harvest Moon Line Dance Festival
Several of
us will be going back to the Harvest Moon Line Dance Festival in Westbank,
British Columbia, September 14-16th. I have already reserved a block of 15 rooms for the Alberta
group at the Holiday Inn and they have given us the same rate as 2005/2006
($89.00). For those who want to go
a day early and stay an extra day, they will extend that rate to the extra
days. This is a fun event with
Michele Perron and John Robinson this yearÕs guest instructors. Deb & Tom Selzer are wonderful
hosts. For $80.00, the three day
pass includes all workshops, two lunches, coffee, muffins and a pancake
breakfast. A potluck dinner and
dance on the Sunday evening finishes off a fun weekend. For more details, go to http://www.debandtomdance.com/harvest.htm. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a
printable registration form. Hotel reservations will be accepted beginning
February 12th. You are encouraged to make
your room reservations early to take advantage of the special discounted event
rate. Make sure to request the
special New Attitude Line Dance group rate. Once this room block is gone, there is no guarantee that I
can add on more rooms. The
deadline to book at this rate is August 14th. After that
date, rates may increase depending on availability.
Las Vegas
In
November, many of us will be heading back to Vegas for Jackie and Doug
MirandaÕs Las Vegas Dance Explosion November 14-18th. Opportunities to take classes from the
best of the best are at this event.
33 of us had a wonderful time there this past November. Many of last yearÕs instructors will be
on hand with the addition of Michael Barr, Michelle Burton, Barry & Dari
Anne Amato, Alison Biggs and Peter Metelnick. IÕve already opened a U.S. bank account to give me incentive
to start saving! I have already
been in contact with Jackie and Doug who will be sending me flyers this
month. Once I receive them, IÕll
start bringing them into classes.
For more information on this event, please go to
http://www.djdancing.com/vegasexplosion.html
ŅIf you can't get
rid of the skeleton in your closet,
you'd best teach
it to dance.Ó
NEW ATTITUDE LINE DANCE
COMPANY
SPRING/SUMMER 2007 SCHEDULE
& REGISTRATION
OF CLASSES, WORKSHOPS &
DANCE EVENINGS
MONDAYS
Location: Killarney Aquatic Centre, 1919 - 29th
Street S.W.
Time: 10:30
-11:30 a.m. Beginner level drop-in
Dates: April
16 - June 11 (8 weeks)
Cost: $5.25 drop in adults/ $2.60 for age 65+
MONDAYS
Location: Varsity
Community Centre, 4303 Varsity Drive N.W.
Dates: April
16 - June 18 (9 weeks) No class
May 21st due to Victoria Day
Times: 5:30
- 6:30 Easy Intermediate
6:30
- 7:30 Beginner BRAND NEW!
7:30
- 8:30 Advanced BRAND NEW!
Cost: $74.00
TUESDAYS
Location: St.
AndrewÕs Presbyterian Church, 703 Heritage Drive S.W.
Dates: April
17 - June 5 (8 weeks)
Time: 10:15 - 11:15
Beginner
11:30
- 12:30 Intermediate
12:40 - 1:40
Advanced
Cost: $35.00
for seniors 55+
$40.00
for all others
TUESDAYS BRAND NEW!
Location: Killarney
Aquatic Centre, 1919 - 29th Street S.W.
Time: 6:00
-7:00 p.m. Easy intermediate level
Dates: April
17 - June 5
Cost: $66.00
(8 weeks)
WEDNESDAYS BRAND NEW!
Location: Superstore
Community Room, Deerfoot Meadows S.E. (by IKEA)
Dates: April
11 - May16 (6 weeks) Beginner level
Time: 10:00
- 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $42.00
WEDNESDAYS
Location: Acadia
Recreation Centre, 240 - 90th Avenue S.E.
Dates: April
11 Š June 6 (9 weeks)
Time: 6:30
- 7:30 Intermediate
level
Cost: $74.00
THURSDAYS
Location:
Confederation
Park Seniors, 2213 - 13th Street N.W. (55+)
Dates: April
5 - June 14
Time: 10:30
- 11:30 a.m. Advanced level
Cost: $45.00
To
register, call Confederation Park Seniors at 289-4780
If you do not already have a membership,
a membership to the Confederation Park Centre must also be purchased.
FRIDAYS: Ranchmans Restaurant &
Bar, 9615 MacLeod Trail S.W.
Line dance lesson every Friday evening from 7:00-8:00
p.m.
No cover charge before 8:00 p.m.
Workshops
and dances are held at St. AndrewÕs Presbyterian Church, 703 Heritage Drive S.W.
(right beside the Y) in the lower hall. Pre-registration is necessary as spots fill
quickly. Please contact Sue to
register or for more information. Registration is limited to 40 people
for the dances and 25 people for the workshops. If you are looking for the challenge of learning three new
dances on a Saturday morning or getting together for a potluck
appetizer/dessert dance evening on Sundays, please think about joining us. WeÕre a fun bunch, very friendly and
welcoming and I try to ensure that there is a good mix of beginner,
intermediate and advanced dances at the socials.
March 17 (St. PatrickÕs DayÉ.guess
what weÕll be doing!)
Dance taught will be dances that are
top dances from a world-wide weekly survey to ensure that dancers are kept up
to date with popular dances
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.,
$7.00 per person
Stay tuned for information
on summer classes to be held at
Varsity and Acadia
Community Centres!
Please
note that classes at Varsity,
Acadia, St. AndrewÕs & Deerfoot Meadows need to be pre-registered. To obtain a registration form, please
email me at suehall@telusplanet.net
ŅIf you're not dancing, you're wasting your feet