Dancing takes front row seat

Seat dancing rules and you are never too old

Gail and her dancing class - just grab a seat. Picture: Barry Alsop

AS THE the saying goes, move it or lose it.

So our senior citizens are being encouraged to stay physically active for good health and well-being with a special free event being presented by Noosa based RIPE Dance with support of Noosa Council and The J during Seniors Week.

An open invitation is extended to the seniors of Noosa to join the fun and experience the joy and benefits of a seated dance class.

Yes, you can dance in a chair.

Anyone not moving as well as they used to due to ageing, have balance issues, reduced joint mobility, muscle strength and flexibility or conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, MS, Stroke etc, are welcome to attend to see just what is possible.

RIPE Dance director, Gail Hewton, who specialises in teaching dance to older populations will lead participants through a 50-60 minute dance session that will include a warm up, several simple dance sequences choreographed to variety of wonderful and familiar songs, finishing with a relaxing cool down - all seated in the safety of a chair.

"The moves are easy to follow, while still aiming to challenge the brain by coordinating different body parts in time to music. People are always surprised by what they can do, even if they think they can't dance - it's about possibilities not limitations." Gail said.

"We're hoping to fill The J with seniors having a great time toe tapping and stomping, clapping and arm swinging, shimmying and shaking, as well as moving slowly, smoothly and elegantly. Participants can expect to explore a range of movement qualities and patterns to a variety of musical rhythms and melodies such as waltz, jazz, latin, broadway and musical theatre - the combination of dance and music make it such pleasurable exercise." Gail said.

Noosa's Biggest Seated Dance Class will also present additional demonstrations from some RIPE Dance participants aged 60-85 years performing dance items.

When: Wednesday August 17- take your seat from 10am for a 10.30am class start

Where: The J, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads

Cost: FREE

Duration: approximately 90 mins - including 60 min seated dance class