Young and old swing at line dance finale

Last weekend, participants young and old grooved to the music at the final line dancing class of the year at Philadelphia Center for Arts and Technology.

Dance instructor Molet Alexander started the line dancing class last summer. Participants met at PCAT for two hours, every other Friday. 

Dances included the Cupid Shuffle, Wild Wild West, Cha-Cha Slide and more. Alexander incorporated music from a wide range of artist and genres to encourage a welcoming environment.

Carol Scott, 71, of Chestnut Hill was moving to the beat of V.I.C.’s ‘Wobble Baby,’.  She said the dance class helps her in more ways than one. “I like that all the dances we learn here are incorporated with exercise. It keeps you positive and healthy.

“No one is left feeling uncomfortable here,” Alexander said. “New attendees are pulled to the side by their peers and given a step by step lesson on how to do the dances. The women don’t have to feel inferior if they don’t complete each dance from start to finish and are encouraged to move at their own pace and to take breaks when needed.”

The class includes three generations of the Beverly family.  Charlene Beverly attended along with her daughter Kimberly Beverly and her niece Kelhi Beverly.  At age 12, Kelhi is the youngest member of the dance troupe.  We learn from each other; especially me, since I’m the youngest,” she said.

Hazel Riddle, 89 is the oldest woman in the class. “I love it,” she said. “It makes me feel young again.”

Many of the women said that they have seen improvements in their health since attending the classes and that coming to the classes allows them to socialize with one another.

Kimberly Beverly, 45, the second generation of the Beverly’s who attends the class is inspired by the older participants.  It’s invigorating and when you see the older women that come, some in their 70’s and 80’s. When you see them going, it gives you no excuse to sit down and  say that you can’t do it.”

PCAT’s line dance classes will resume in January.