‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving and the Rebecca’s Level 1 line dancing Ranchers, with a sprinkle of SB residents, enjoyed a pre-holiday calorie burning session. Non-stop 80 minutes was worth at least an extra piece of pie.
November 26 also saw a first ever Level 2 practice session including a couple of SaddleBrookers. This group has always cooked in the past,at least that’s their story, and still is the story of a few who couldn’t come. Their 90 minutes of more challenging dances accounted for a little more generous helping of whipped cream with that extra pie.
Dr. Mark Magdanz
Holiday festivities are done; it’s still about as dark as it gets. Oh what shall we do? How about line dancing? All three line dancing levels will have classes starting the middle of January. SB Ranchers have classes in the Hacienda Wednesday afternoons. Never danced with Rebecca? It’s all about fun, learning and laughter in her classes.
October was party time with 45 dancers on the floor, and the Ranch folks shone brightly. Two hundred twenty seven dollars was raised for Best Friends Animal Shelter during some brisk dancing. Then it was off to the MountainView lounge for more socializing; many spouses joined in the fun. Unfortunately, the camera broke so there are no pictures. Four more events are on the schedule before January 1. Three student practice parties will be held in SaddleBrooke with all proceeds being donated to the SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue organization. Then the annual “Tweener Party,” held between the holidays, about a dozen Ranch residents are partying with us. This fun will raise funds for the Tucson trap/spay/neuter project to control the feral cat population. Fun and funds for our little friends are always on the dancing agenda.
Winter Level 1 is nearly full! You must email now if you wish to dance. Rebecca has always worked hard and been able to accommodate everyone, but don’t delay. Why so popular? It’s both fun and exercise; one of the top forms of low impact activity for seniors. Rebecca is a master in teaching the skills. Level 1 Beginner classes are Wednesday afternoon for students new to line dance and those who like easier steps, a relaxed teaching pace and a less strenuous workout.
Level 2 Advanced Beginner/Easy Intermediate dances are more complex. The teaching pace is faster. Sessions are also Wednesday right after level 1. If you have some basic skills and fitness, you may find space available for the winter season.
Level 3 Intermediate dancing is the most challenging and only available in SaddleBrooke at this time. Thursdays bring a lot of fun, vigorous workouts and a mentally challenging dance floor experience.
Student practice sessions covering all skill levels are continuous year round and function to seal skills and dances into muscle memory. The current schedule is emailed to class participants.
Line Dance benefits include but are not limited to: 1) Lowered BP and cholesterol level; 2) Increases mobility; 3) Improves balance; 4) Increases bone mass and muscle; 5) Aid weight loss; 6) Ease depression; 7) Impedes Alzheimer’s.
Line Dancing with Rebecca is educational and emphasizes fun. To sign up for a 2015 winter season or get started planning for April, contact Rebecca Magdanz at [email protected] or phone 818-2656 for times and cost info. Class is by reservation only due to room restrictions. No cuddling, please. Rebecca is a 10+ year full-time SaddleBrooke resident and teaches year round in both SaddleBrooke Ranch and SB.