Hello everyone, we hope you’re enjoying these last few weeks of summer, and are
savoring all the fresh and delicious produce that’s abundant at this time of the year! My family is, and I’m loving all the great just-picked sweet corn and sun-ripened tomatoes. Of course, our staff at Pathfinder Produce is there to help with your fresh fruit and veggie needs … just stop by each Thursday afternoon at the Village Commons from 1 to 5 p.m. to get some of the freshest, most-flavorful items around!
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Last Saturday night, I stopped to take photos at Pathfinder Village for one of our final Summer Concerts this year. Although the weather had been iffy earlier in the day, the evening was perfect at the Pavilion … cool temperatures and soft lighting tinged the sky. And one of our favorite local bands, Dirt Road Express, was playing.
Many of our good friends from the community came to listen to Mike, Ray, Kenny, and Ellen play their versions of old-time country and early rock ‘n roll favorites. The foursome is a favorite at many regional venues, and once again they put on a great show. And to make a fun occasion even better, our young friends from Hamilton College HAVOC (Hamilton Association for Volunteering, Outreach & Charity) were there, celebrating as they finished their volunteer activities that had brought them to Pathfinder for the week.
Now, I may be hazarding a guess, but I would expect that many of these young adults did not know many of the well-loved country songs played by the band, but that didn’t matter at all. These students, who are from many different hometowns and immersed in different musical traditions, didn’t miss a beat … they danced the entire night along with many Pathfinder students and residents.
It was so much fun watching everyone on the dance floor. There were a few married couples, longtime fans of the band, who beautifully glided around the outside of the other dancers. Some of Pathfinder folks are also very good dancers: Frank had a full dance-card, stepping and sashaying with college students, his Pathfinder friends, and several friends from the community.
With the lively music and high energy, the evening flew by and everyone had a great time. But that’s the great thing about dancing … one is moving, having fun, stretching muscles, and burning calories all at the same time. The music reduces the effort, it seems. And while it helps to be a little coordinated, social dancing doesn’t really require any strenuous preparation or training. You just catch the beat and move!
- It’s a good cardio workout, as long as you’re dancing to upbeat music.
- Dancing’s fun, as it isn’t monotonous like a treadmill workout can be.
- It can be a social activity, which enhances our enjoyment of dancing.
- It’s inclusive, and most people dance without feeling self-conscious.
- It’s good for your brain, and some studies indicate can regular dancing can stave
off age-related dementia. - Dancing can be low-impact, and you can always change your movements or pace if you need a break.
- It can improve your balance, which can help prevent serious fall-related injuries.
- And finally, you don’t need a ton of expensive equipment … you can dance to music on the radio, an mp3 player with earbuds, or for the full experience, you can go dancing at a club or concert. About the only real recommendations for equipment are supportive and non-slippery shoes.
Other benefits of dancing are listed in this CNN article. If you’re interested in getting social and in dancing, come and hang out with Zoe Curtis at our regular ZUMBA sessions each Wednesday evening at Pathfinder Village (lessons are just $5, and the ZUMBA crew always has a great time stepping out to great Latin beats.).
Until next time, keep smiling, keep moving!
Lori
