January 16, 2009

Weekly class offers lessons to new and old dances, including the Earthquake

Carol Morgan and Steve Winters, left, dance The Couple's Waltz

ZANESVILLE -- Despite blustering snow and freezing temperatures, line dancers kicked up their heels at the Muskingum County Center for Seniors in the Sunrise Center.

"Tap, tap, kick and turn," instructor Carol Morgan, the center's activities assistant, told the class as they began learning a new dance called Earthquake. Classes are offered every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. and are open to the public of any age. About a dozen dancers were lined up to learn the new dance and review several they had learned in the past few weeks.

The group was excited about learning the new dance that they will perform at Denny's Classic Diner during the summer car shows. Some dancers practice the steps at home so they will know the dances well.

"It's a challenge to try to learn it (the dances)," said Howard Slaughter who practices at home. "The dog watches me. If I really want to learn it I memorize the steps and then use the music."

Kenny Winland, who also practices at home, has been attending the classes for the past two years and enjoys the class for the exercise. He attends line dances at the Eagles with others from the class. While he enjoys all the dances, "Crusin'" and "You're a Man" are two of his favorites.

Dance Instructor Carol Morgan, front, center, teaches a new dance each Tuesday night

Susan Fesler, a line dance teacher at the Eagles, dances three times a week and said the dancing is "good exercise."

Jill Hayes agreed with Susan about line dancing being good exercise.

"It improves your health. It makes you feel better," Jill said. Charlie Green, who has been taking the classes for three years, enjoyed the exercise and socialization of the class.

"I come just for the fun and exercise," Charlie said. "I come for the other people. We have a lot of fun together. The people laughing and talking, it helps cheer you up."

Patty Huey agreed with Charlie about the class being fun.

"Its fun and I enjoy it," she said.

Jill and Danny Hayes have been taking the classes for the past three years. Carol helped Danny learn a dance for their wedding and while he joked about it, Jill was grateful to Carol for teaching him.

"She (Jill) made me do it (learn the Waltz)," Danny laughed. "I had to do it for our wedding."

"Carol's a good teacher. She taught my husband (Danny) to do the waltz three days before our wedding," she said. "Carol's more than a teacher, she's a friend. She's a very special person."

Steve Winters has been taking Carol's class for four years but was forced to miss many months after an accident. He dances in Nashville, Tenn., when visiting family. He dances at nursing homes and "anywhere the class dances."

Steve requested his favorite dance "The Couple's Waltz." After the music started, Carol helped newcomers, Carl Voorhies and Shirley Madinger, learn the basic line dance steps, shuffle, grapevine, heel touch and others. Carl and Shirley, who square dance but have never line danced, were eager to learn the new steps.

"We've attended square dances and wanted to get a little bit fancy," Carl said.

While it was their first class, Carol and the other dancers welcomed the couple warmly.

"Everyone's welcome," Carol said. "It's about fun and exercise."

Judy Brennan, who was taking her first class after a year's break, sat and watched the other dancers. She was glad to be at the center and not sitting at home.

"It's a nice place to come when you're alone," she said.

Carol encourages everyone to visit the center and especially those who are alone. The center has free transportation available for those living in the city, she said.

"They're only a stranger until they walk through that door," Carol added as she motioned to the front door of the center. "If someone's alone, they should come and see what we (the center) have to offer."

The Muskingum County Center for Seniors offers many different classes throughout the week including Art, Bingo, pool, cards, Ceramics, PACE, Tai Chi, Red Hat Groups, Wii, Computer classes, Quilting, dances, dance classes and many others.

Line Dance classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and Tuesday nights at 7 p.m.

For additional information about the classes and programs at the center phone 454-9761.