Music and movement is a pairing as old as history itself: From the choral dances of Ancient Greece to the rise of modern styles like jazz, tap, and contemporary ballet, humans have been drawn to dance as a social activity and creative outlet – and today, it remains a great way to have fun and stay fit throughout life.
At The Mayflower, residents are dusting off their dancing shoes at a growing array of classes, where longstanding favorites like cardio dance and ballet barre are joined by newer offerings like salsa, Arabic, and line dance. No matter your experience level, it’s easy to get out on the floor and give it a try.
“Dancing is an all-around form of fitness,” says Linda Hennig, a Mayflower resident and familiar face at dance classes. “If you can only do a few steps, that’s fine. What matters is getting out there to get active and have fun with other people.”
Linda herself has been dancing for the past decade and counting. She first got her start when, while serving as Associate Dean of UCF’s College of Nursing, she was invited to participate in a philanthropic fundraiser dance competition, where every vote earned by the competitors raised one dollar for charity.
“At the time, I knew nothing about dance and hadn’t had any formal instruction – but I volunteered to give it a try,” she recalls. “From there, I just fell in love with it … and I’ve been dancing ever since. It’s a way for me to meet new people and socialize, keep my brain, and body active, and learn new things.”
Not only does dance provide all the heart healthy advantages of cardio fitness – improving lung function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and lowering blood pressure – but it may also have far-reaching benefits for cognitive health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, dancing has been shown to support memory, focus and problem-solving skills in older adults.
Since moving to The Mayflower earlier this summer, Linda has enjoyed hitting the dance floor even closer to home … as well as exploring the many other programs and activities hosted on campus. “I’m impressed with everything that’s available – there’s something for everybody,” she says. “I’m so busy, I’ve hardly had time to unpack!”
Wellness across every dimension of life is at the heart of The Mayflower’s Life Plan. Our vibrant social community; engaging, maintenance-free lifestyle; and award-winning healthcare all add up to a happier and healthier you – for years to come.
Learn how The Mayflower is going the extra mile to empower active living – from our two state-of-the-art fitness centers to our new massage therapy options – and embark on your Life Plan in a senior living community known as Winter Park’s best. Get in touch or give us a call at 407.672.1620 to plan your visit. We look forward to hearing from you!