This is not how you line dance in Rebecca’s classes. Like most school groups, getting ready for a picture is like herding cats. In Rebecca’s class we always let those in witness protection decline to participate. These are is some of your neighbors deciding how their hair looks.
Dr. Mark Magdanz
At this time both levels of Line Dance with Rebecca classes are well underway. Many dances brand new to the community have been learned and older ones reviewed.
Years ago Rebecca began to define her classes in levels to denote the degree of dance difficulty, teaching pace and exertion level. In our senior communities we have residents who have been dancing for years and don’t prefer the “beginner” label, but their dancing choice is now at that speed and fitness level. Dances in Rebecca’s class are chosen for a number of important factors specific to her classes and students. What you may not realize is that there are well over 80,000 dances listed in instructors’ favorite websites. She uses dance videos from Sri Lanka to Turkey to Iceland and has taught about 70 different ones over the years in the Ranch. You’ll never know them all, so about 10-12 dances are featured each lesson series. Classes contain selection for content, skill and fitness improvement and fun. The key is relax and enjoy the dances you learn as it’s all about fun and fitness.
Rebecca’s Level 1 classes are for students new to line dance and those who like easier steps, a relaxed teaching pace and a less strenuous workout. Levels 2 dances are a bit more complex, and the teaching pace is faster. Level 3 dancing is the most challenging and is in SaddleBrooke; all levels are lots of fun, vigorous and mentally challenging. A new series will begin for all later this spring.
Student practice sessions covering all three levels are continuous year round and assist dances into muscle memory. Practices include a two to three wall walk through with step calls and counts, continuous prompt calls during performance, and as much laughter as possible. The current schedule is emailed to class participants. As always, many of the top dances in popularity and teaching frequency in the world are in her curriculum, but we find some of the most fun in new music with terrific dances before they get popular in the U.S.
Line dance health benefits include: 1) lowered blood pressure and cholesterol level; 2) increased mobility without joint damage; 3) increased balance control and centering; 4) increased bone mass and muscle; 5) aid in efforts to lose weight; 6) eases levels of depression; 7) staves off early signs of Alzheimer’s.
Line Dancing with Rebecca follows sound educational principles and also emphasizes lots of fun with your exercise. To sign up for a 2017 spring, summer or fall dancing series or winter 2018 contact Rebecca Magdanz at [email protected] or phone 818-2656 for locations, cost information and to be placed on one of her reservation lists. Rebecca is a 12 plus year, full-time SaddleBrooke resident and has been teaching for soon to be nine years in SaddleBrooke and was one of the first Ranch fitness instructors.