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Dancing is an excellent form of exercise, loads of fun, and great for your mental health. During these COVID-19 restrictions, seniors have found a way to dance through the tumultuous times of the pandemic in 2021.
For centuries, dancing has improved the health of seniors. In Bellvue, Washington, a private community group dubbed “Kip and Gals” discovers better health with line dancing.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the regular places this group normally dances are closed, so they decided to take the show outdoors.
Retired “social dancer” Kip Brandon spends most of his week instructing and directing seniors in line dance for free. He also welcomes anyone who requires a little socially distanced activity. No matter the weather, the dancers find covering wherever possible and keep it moving.
Brandon said, “I would be dancing anyways, so this is an excellent way to dance with people and stay safe.”
His goal is to spread happiness, not germs. Kip heads the dances from a safe distance, and everyone is wearing a mask. When this pandemic is over, he says, “I want everyone to have memories of dancing and being uplifted.”
Cari Murotani, one of the many line dancers, said, “Dancing is my life.” She has been boogying with Kip for almost a year now. Weather conditions do not stand in the way, come rain or shine and even snow, the show goes on.
Murotani said on any given day there is a variety of folks. Most of the dancers are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, but not unusual to see someone walking by joining in the fun. To top it off, the music is great and is a variety of genres.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this group of seniors is keeping it moving. The global lingo of dance connects the group and allows everyone to move to the same beat. The group typically does 30 dances in a 90-minute session.
Written by Sharri Rogers
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
NBC King 5: Dancing is my Passion’: Senior citizens stay fit through the pandemic; by Chris Cashman
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Fair County’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of deb-eye’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License