Forever the happy dancers; a good mix of Monday and Tuesday line dancers take a break from their efforts on a recent November afternoon. About 120 are signed up for lessons and practices during winter 2017.
Dr. Mark Magdanz
With three different skill/fitness levels of class, Rebecca’s teaching stresses fun, self-improvement and low stress. Students progress to a next level at their own pace or they may stay at a favorite level forever. Level 1/Beginners classes are Monday and Wednesday. Level 2/Improver classes are on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Level 3 is for the most advanced dancers on Thursday. Some winter 2017 classes are already full (and therefore on a wait list) as class size must be limited due to room size to ensure quality of instruction. With limited spaces you must pre-register with Rebecca to attend.
Why line dance? The lessons provided at SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch promote the maintenance and improvement of your mental and physical health. How can an activity do this?
Just what areas of your life can improve? To name a few: (1) Memory and Learning: Choreographed movements require some memorization, concentration and reading skills. Learning new skills and activities is a proven booster of functional brain capacity. (2) Balance/coordination: Over 80 different movement skills may be learned in classes improving balance and coordination – leading the prevention of many falls at home. Turning skills provide inner ear training and desensitization for increased control of balance. (3) Exercise: With a fun activity providing mild to moderate cardio work out, you are likely to continue instead of getting bored and quitting. (4) Upright movement strengthens bones with side motions (spine and legs) beyond simple walking. (5) Socialization: Line dance gets you out of the house to meet new friends. (6) Music: Music therapy has proven helpful in the maintenance and recovery of brain function. (7) All of the above also attack the issues of depression, fatigue and isolation we can experience with aging.
Student party/practice sessions are presented for all skill levels. A great cardio and muscle memory session is the goal of these workouts. Sessions move fast, last about an hour and have been clocked at 4,000 to 5,000 steps. Prepare to laugh, move and expand your brain and physical capacity.
Line dancing is fun and exercise. It is the number three most participated in senior exercise worldwide because it’s fun and doesn’t hurt! For more information or to put your name on a class reservation list, contact Rebecca Magdanz at [email protected] or phone 818-2656. Rebecca is a full-time, 12 year resident of SaddleBrooke and she has provided line dancing lessons in SaddleBrooke communities for about 10 years. Classes are designed to function as a community service to support and improve our health and fitness. Students currently range from their later 40s to their upper 80s at this time.