dance for metal & physical wellbeing

New Castle residents are moving and grooving to the music in dance classes at the town’s Community Center on Senter Street. It’s more than just fun for them, it’s great for their health and wellness. For adults over 18 years old, the Recreation Department offers Ballroom, Country Line and Belly dance, and EZ Dance Fitness, a class for seniors (60+).

“Getting people in and moving is important,” says Christine Grey, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation who coordinates the town programs and the dance classes. Classes are open to all New Castle residents and non-residents are also welcome.

Dancing is aerobic exercise that increases strength and endurance, balance and coordination, bone health and flexibility, boosts endorphins and burns calories for weight management. It’s a benefit for brain health too. Studies have found that dancing is more challenging to the brain than puzzles. And it’s a great way to build community and make new friends.

Ballroom Dance is designed for participants to dance with their special someone for “date night” or to make a new friend in class. Participants learn swing, cha-cha, smooth, hustle and the basic steps needed to dance to any of their favorite music. Partners learn how to lead and follow confidently on the dance floor. Singles are welcome in the class.

Cameron Kelly, the instructor loves ballroom dancing. Kelly, who is International Dance and Exercise Association trained and certified, says dance is full body movement, not just steps for your feet. “Holding your frame means strength building. Balance is all about stopping and starting and turning to the rhythm of the music. An hour of dancing is heart healthy as it is continual rhythmic body movement.”

Susan Wolf and her husband Michael have taken the class for many years. “It started out by being our date night when our kids were little and now it’s our mental health retreat,” says Wolf. “The class has been invaluable as a coping mechanism for stress during our work week. Cameron is a fantastic teacher whose down-to-earth style puts everyone at ease.”

Country Line Dance, the latest craze, is also taught by Kelly. It’s not only fun, but a great way to exercise to today’s popular and very hip new country music. Partners are not needed. Kelly breaks the dance steps down, so they are easy to learn. She shares information about all the popular clubs and dance halls in the area where participants can line dance all year round.

“Dancing in a group situation, either line dancing, or dancing with a partner adds an additional wonderful feeling of being in a group activity and feeling a sense of belonging,” says Kelly.

Megan Smith has been taking the line dance class for a year and likes that it’s an artistic exercise and is a fun alternative to the gym. “Dance has been great for my physical health by helping improve balance and coordination,” says Smith. “For mental health, it promotes memory skills, and it can be stress relief.”

Belly Dance, with its roots in folk dance, is a combination of exercise, artistic expression, culture and camaraderie. The class consists of a warm-up, technique, a traveling sequence and short combo Sistine or veil work. This class is suitable for all levels with a focus on the basics. Participants wishing for an extra challenge can sign up for the additional half hour session to learn advanced steps, choreography and props. Participants wear comfortable workout clothes and work barefoot or in a dance, yoga or gymnastic shoe. A belly dance hip scarf or shawl is recommended but not mandatory.

“Belly dance is good for self-esteem and a joyful alternative to exercise. It accepts your physique as beautiful, so you are starting with a positive body image,” says instructor Gina Bergamini, who studied dance at SUNY New Paltz. “You use muscles you didn’t know you had, especially in the torso.” Belly dance is low impact and a very gentle technique.

“Elders do it. I’ve even had three generations, a mother, daughter and grandmother in one class. The concept of dance being a young thing is changing,” says Bergamini. “People enjoy dancing whether it’s for fitness or social activity. They are doing it later, and later in life.”

“Gina teaches a Cabaret-style form of belly dancing that is deeply expressive and rooted in body positivity, promoting self-confidence through her art,” says Gricel DeCuffa who appreciates the cultural aspect of belly dance. “Dancing to Middle Eastern music is energizing and joyful.” Nancy Lonigro has been a student of Bergamini’s for many years and values the camaraderie. “There is a core group here that has developed a wonderful network of friendship and support, and it is a beautiful thing.” says Lonigro. “And the new dancers are welcomed with open arms.”

Bergamini, who also teaches youth dances classes, brought members of the belly dance choreography class together to perform with the children for a “Nutcracker” recital making this an intergenerational experience.

EZ Dance Fitness is an easy to follow, go at your own pace format of low impact cardio dance, toning, balance, coordination and stretch, created and lead by Amy Olin. “It’s my version of Zumba Gold,” says Olin who has group fitness certification from the Aerobic Fitness Association of America. She puts together a variety of genres of music and wants everyone to like what they are hearing. “My mission is to make it unintimidating, easy and fun. It’s kind to your body. Moving to the music is joyful.” Olin says dance exercise stands out from other forms because you’re using your brain and your body.

“My strength and flexibility have improved since taking Amy’s classes,” says Madeleine Accardi. “This in turn has been good for my mental and emotional health since I know I’m helping myself stay in shape. And of course it’s good for my step count!”

The class has made a huge impact on Susan Welling who says Olin’s approach is both welcoming and inspirational. “Amy Olin has helped keep me healthy both physically and mentally. In my mind, I’m dancing not exercising.”

Participants in the classes agree that there are many more benefits than exercise. They meet new people and make new friends, which has contributed to their improved overall well-being.

“We always encourage people to reach out to the Recreation Department office at 914-238-3909 or they can email the general email at recnpark@mynewcastleny.gov with any inquiries,” says Grey. “If anyone wants to try a class, they should call our office.”

Grey is very happy to see the community center bustling. “People are here for different reasons. Socialization is the biggest part.”

For more information or to register: https://secure.rec1.com/NY/new-castle-ny/catalog