Residents toe the line with step shuffle
Line dancing fever has taken hold at Arvida Knightsbridge community in Windsor Park – Auckland, where the wooden floors pulse with the sound of moving sneakers, and more than a little laughter.
Among the most dedicated are Ros Gebbie, who has been stepping it out for four years, and Valerie Terrice, who, with three years under her belt, never misses a beat. “I love any kind of dancing, we have a lot of laughter and it’s actually good for the brain,” Valerie shares.
A typical routine might call for four or five moves - grapevine right, cross shuffle, walking forward, v step, and stepping over - requiring not just rhythm but a good deal of coordination and balance. Whether it’s classic Jim Reeves country and western tunes or the group is doing grapevines and v steps to the modern ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ from Shaboozey, the enthusiasm continues – so long as there’s a beat to follow. Residents focus keenly on their footwork, eyes trained on the floor, but the occasional wrong step only adds to the fun.
The Friday intermediate class at Knightsbridge has grown so popular that it now draws residents from a neighbouring village, everyone eager to join the action and break a sweat. “I used to think, why would anybody do it?” admits Ros, now a self-confessed convert who sometimes ventures to community meets. “But once you come along you really get into it. I went up to Silverdale with my daughter and there were 60 people line dancing so it’s very popular.”
Arvida Knightsbridge resident Jean Fuller is nearly 89 and is among those still kicking up their heels, proof that age is no barrier when it comes to a good dose of country rhythm. Valerie encourages newcomers to take the plunge: “Give line dancing a try, just come and watch to start with. We all had to start somewhere.” Ros agrees, noting the class owes much to a teacher who “pushes us”.
By the end of each session, sneakers are scuffed and there’s some panting, but everyone leaves feeling lighter and limber.