Wednesday, October 11 saw the fall line dance season kick off in the Hacienda Aerobics Room. Already lots of fun on day one of a nine-lesson series!
Dr. Mark Magdanz
Summer is fast fading along with our long days. So, what do we have coming for the fall? Both levels of line dance skill started October 10. Can you still join in? Maybe if you already have some desire, foot speed and act quickly. Class size is limited to the space in the room. If you act slower, the next series of lessons begins in January 2019. If you’ve never danced with Rebecca, it’s about fun, exercise, learning and laughter in all her class sessions. At our ages, if it’s not fun, why do it?
I’ve written many times about the many benefits of dance to your brain and fitness. This month I’ve been sidelined with Achilles surgery and thus I’ve been watching the dancing. Here’s what I’ve observed: improved balance and foot speed. The dancers in Rebecca’s classes demonstrate substantial improvement in their ability to move their feet faster and maintain their stability. Who cares? We all should because of falls, one of the greatest risks we face as we age. Just being slow afoot is something you can actively change. Think about it: stumble with slow feet and down you go. With faster reactions and better fitness, you may catch yourself. With line dancing, inner ear balance mechanisms are mobilized, which in essence keeps and/or refreshes your body’s ability to react faster to position change. Better response skills equal fewer falls. So, how does this happen? By showing up and having fun you will improve your foot speed, stamina and strength of upright mobility. That means you will be less likely to have a tragic fall change your life, possibly forever. From beginning to end of day one class I observed improved foot reaction is several new dancers. Note—dizziness and/or severe weakness should be investigated medically.
Fall Level 1 Beginners has just a few spaces on the dance floor. Rebecca works hard to accommodate everyone-including those who don’t return until after week one. Line Dance is one of the top forms of low impact activity for seniors. Level 1 Beginner classes are for students new to line dance and those who like easier steps or a gentler pace with less strenuous workout levels. Wednesday and Saturday classes are presented.
Level 2/Easy Intermediate dances are more complex. The teaching pace is quicker. Wednesday and Saturday classes are presented. If you already have basic skills and fitness, you may be able to enjoy this as your first series only by verifying your status with Rebecca.
Line Dancing with Rebecca is thorough and emphasizes lots of fun. To sign up for 2018 or January 2019 classes, contact Rebecca Magdanz at [email protected] or phone 818-2656 for locations, costs and placement on her reservation list. Rebecca is a 14-year, full-time SaddleBrooke resident this month. She teaches year-round in both SaddleBrooke Ranch and SaddleBrooke. Rebecca began teaching in SaddleBrooke Ranch in 2012.