The Veiner Centre Line Dancers "Dance Out" team performs for residents of Meadowridge Seniors Village to a 1950s and 1960s soundtrack.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
The Veiner Centre Line Dancers “Dance Out” team performed a 1950s and 1960s themed show for residents of Meadowridge Seniors Village Monday.
The dance group for seniors 50-plus has more than 85 members, many of whom take part in public shows.
“We like to do something for the community,” Carol Sproule, Dance Out co-ordinator, told the News. “We enjoy it a lot and they seem to enjoy having us so it’s rewarding both ways.”
“The Viener Line Dancers have been coming to the home for a long time now,” Steve Bohan, recreation therapist at Meadowridge, said. “They’re a great organization. They support our community 110%. In fact, they go around to all the old-age homes and entertain. They don’t ask for money.”
For Monday’s performance, Sproule and her fellow dancers were dressed in poodle skirts and bobby socks. One dancer was even dressed as Elvis.
“I’m hoping that it takes (the audience) down memory lane,” said Sproule. “They get to travel back and remember dancing and having fun and just kind of get lost in the music.”
Evelyn Schafer, a resident of Meadowridge, loves the performances.
“I don’t miss any of (the shows),” she said. “I like them. I like the music … I’ve always liked music.”
“Music is a time machine so it takes them back to their younger years,” said Bohan. “Some of our residents, their memories’ are not as good as (they once were), but it just takes them back in time.
“I’m so very thankful for all the entertainers who come to our home. You really see (the residents) enjoy themselves.”
Sproule and the Dance Out team plan to continue vising Meadowridge and other seniors residences in the community. They hope their dancing will inspire audiences and spread the word about Medicine Hat’s dance community. She encourages anyone interested to book a Dance Out or join a class, which are open for every level of dancer.
