Let’s Dance
The Beauty, Benefits, and Joy of Dancing…
February is the season of love, and in the North State, love is often found on the dance floor. Picture it: the soft strum of a guitar, the rhythm of feet tapping and the joyous laughter of friends, old and new, filling the air. Dancing isn’t just an activity here – it’s a way of life.
No matter which dance club or event you go to, you are sure to find Dottie. She dances almost every night of the week and has met many friends over the years of dancing, which has helped her keep young and energetic. With a sparkle in her eye, Dottie can dance circles around most people.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers makes these dances possible. Sherry Rodgers remembers her first Friday night dance at the Senior Center in Redding. “I was nervous,” she admits, “but then I saw Matt and he captivated my attention.” Matt McKee, a longtime dancer and leader in the community, impressed her with his kindness and his way of making everyone feel welcome. “I didn’t know how to dance, but he took the time to teach me,” Sherry says, smiling at the memory. That night was the start of something beautiful – the two have been dancing together for almost nine years now.
Matt is on the board of directors of the Shasta County Senior Center and is the president of South Shasta Seniors, and he loves seeing how dancing transforms lives. “I love to dance, and I kept coming to the dances because of the beautiful women. It’s a safe place to dance and isn’t like the bar scene. There’s a stigma about senior dances,” he says. “Most people have the impression it is all old people that sit around, but it is a wide age range of people – from people in their 20s to people in their 90s. Most of our members dance several times per week. People come for a variety of reasons. Lots of single people come and end up meeting a partner, but many people come for the sense of community. Dance has many benefits. It really helps cognitive functioning, awareness and overall health. It gets people off of the couch and gets them moving.”
Take Ken and Rhonda Stubbles, for example. Ken used to struggle with sciatica, and wasn’t able to use one of his legs very well, but through dancing, that issue has disappeared. Newlyweds Amber and John Nelson met at one of these dances. With a laugh, John says he started attending the dances instead of going to therapy, and Amber says she has healed her heart through the community she met at the dances. “Beyond the health benefits, these dance clubs are a place everyone feels welcome, no one is judged, and you can find a family community,” Amber says.
Even the younger crowd is catching on. Evan Goldstein describes dancing as “art” and “yoga with another person and it’s a lot of fun.” He takes lessons at Let’s Dance Redding, where founder Jamie Daniel creates a space for everyone to feel welcome. “Dance has brought me so much joy, personal growth and confidence. I wanted to create a space where others could experience that, too,” she says, adding that she has a heart for people building connections with others.
For others, dancing is a way back to themselves. Kathleen Kelly Saxer found solace on the dance floor after losing her husband. “I needed something to make me feel like me again,” she shares. “Dancing gave me that.” And she’s not alone. Norma Grove only intended to stop by the Senior Center for information but ended up dancing the night away with Bruce Brown. Now, they’re inseparable. “It’s just like swimming,” Bruce says. “You jump in and take off.”
Another couple that met 2½ years ago at the Red Bluff Grange dance and are now engaged are Barbara Duza and Gary Barrell. “He won me over with the waltz,” Barbara says with a smile.
Sarah Planchard started Freedom Swing, a club that meets weekly at the VFW Hall in Anderson. What began as a small gathering in her home quickly grew into a vibrant community. “Most people can dance swing after just a few lessons,” Sarah says. “But what keeps them coming back has helped forge friendships and has been transformative for so many people.”
So, this February, why not put on your dancing shoes? You might meet a new friend, rediscover yourself or even dance your way into someone’s heart. In this community, you never know where Cupid’s arrow is going to strike next. •
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Article Written by:
Stacie Moore, with more than 20 years in education, holds roles from teacher to superintendent in the North State. She’s also a Realtor at Better Choice Real Estate, adding a personal touch to home transactions. Rooted in Redding, she cherishes family and is most proud of her two amazing, successful children.
