Golden grooves: Senior Zumba classes more than just dancing
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on October 21, 2014 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Zumba instructor Lisa Weston leads classes at the senior center on Thursday nights. The classes are designed to be low impact.
kballard@newsargus.com
They giggled when their instructor urged them to "get loose" -- to mimic the pops and shimmies that unfold at the beginning of her Zumba lesson.
But by the time Lisa Weston asked them for a "sexy circle," the woman had found their groove.
From their sparkly shoes to the way they whip their hair to "Proud Mary," it is evident that the nine women who participate in a weekly Zumba class at the Peggy M. Seegars Senior Center have bought into Lisa's program.
Theresa Hrebenuyuk is one of them.
The 62-year-old -- who has endured two knee replacements -- is among the most vocal advocates of more dance numbers and a longer class.
"Not bad for a bunch of old, fat ladies, huh?" she quipped.
The Zumba classes offered at the Senior Center are modified for the age of the students.
And given their ages, Lisa is always cautious -- starting at low-intensity songs before bringing them up; watching faces for signs of pain or exhaustion.
Sandra Spasojevic-Rodrigez, another instructor faces the class and highlights some of the lower-intensity moves.
Instead of jumping, she demonstrates a shuffle or foot tap.
And she keeps her hands below her heart -- a technique that helps the students keep from getting too winded.
Lisa has been doing Zumba for six years and teaches five classes each week at the center.
And she insists that she doesn't have a favorite.
"It's not about a favorite class," she said. "It's about the energy. It's about the love."
"I'm her favorite," said 82-year-old Eunice "Mama" Saunders, who comes to the Zumba classes with her 61-year-old daughter, Cynthia Davis.
Sometimes, class ends with a prayer.
Other days, it dissolves into sitting around and talking.
Lisa says the socialization is key -- that being happy and active as you age is important.
But Zumba is not the only thing keeping seniors active at the center.
Eryn McAuliffe, the facility's director, estimates 500 different seniors come through the center each month.
The senior center is free to Wayne County residents over 60, and offers exercise classes, crafts, billiards, computer classes and more.
Mrs. McAuliffe attempts to create "one-stop shopping" at the center so it fulfills all the possible needs in one building, from financial advising to technology classes.
She has been working with seniors since she was 16 -- and says she is constantly inspired by the people she comes into contact with.
"It's the way they give back to others despite their lifestyle, I have nothing to complain about," she says. "I love their wisdom, they know how to enjoy themselves."