Dancing for their health

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 17

Dancing for their health

By

MAVIS AIREY

It’s a typical mirrorlined studio, but this is a dance class with a difference. There’s not a leotard in sight, and most of the pupils are in their 60s and 70s.

“I’m a closet Gene Kelly from way back,” admits a lively grey-head. She is not the only one, from the glint in the eyes of the dozen or so fingersnapping, soft-shoe shufflers who “swing, swing, step-touch-step” their way through their version of “King of the Road.” “I think dance is the most enjoyable way of exercising,” says Caroline Hasselman, who started Dance for Health classes aimed at the over-50s earlier this year. “Everyone can dance,”

she is convinced. “You don’t have to be brilliant to enjoy it.” She speaks from experience. Having studied dance at school in the United States, she continued to take classes even when it became obvious she would never dance professionally. Since coming to New Zealand nearly 10 years ago she has taught dancefitness classes for all ages, but she found older people often felt embarrassed in a group of super-fit 30-year-olds. As her own mother said, “I feel like everybody’s grandmother.” “There’s very little offered for the older age group, yet they’re the ones who really need to

exercise,” Caroline believes.

So with advice from a physiotherapist, she designed a dance programme for over-50s that would be slow-paced and relaxing, drawing not just on ballet, but ballroom, jazz, and tap dancing. She uses the big-band music of the 40s and 50s as well as showtime favourites, and aims the programme at both men and women.

“Dancing is an excellent way to keep fit, supple, and healthy,” she be-

lieves, but adds, “dance at your own pace. "You should feel stretched with some of the movements, but not in pain. If any of the movements feel painful, don’t do them,” she warns. She also advises people with health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, or heart trouble to check with their doctors before

starting the programme. At first, she was worried that the men who came would feel out of place, but watching a season of Fred Astaire films on television convinced her they could do the steps “with masculine charm instead of feminine grace.” “Some older people feel

self conscious about exercising,” one pupil agrees. “But here we meet a lot of nice people and we can feel relaxed with each other.” “It’s good mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Even though Caroline is demonstrating, you have to concentrate hard to get the steps. I feel more alert after the class,” says another.

“This is fun. It’s not competitive, but it's a challenge.” Classes for beginners to advanced level are held five times a week, including one evening, at the Dance Corporate Studio at the Peterborough Centre, The cost is $4O for 10 classes, and concessions are available.