Arts & Entertainment
Seniors Stay Active with Line-Dancing at Benjamin Church Senior Center
Benjamin Church Senior Center offers line-dancing lessons on Friday mornings at 10 a.m.
Despite the cold weather, seniors from around Bristol and Southern Massachusetts gather at the Benjamin Church Senior Center for their weekly dance lesson on Fridays. Instructor Doris J. Gueretti and her husband, Charles, make their way from Somerset to Bristol once a week to teach line dancing to anyone willing to join.
As the instructor arrived to the lesson last week, her pupils were spread about the dance floor enjoying each other’s company. The room was partially surrounded with windows, letting natural sunlight filter through. It was filled with tables and chairs but in the middle there was a small dance floor. Everyone spread out on the floor as Gueretti started the music.
“Oh, Rio, this song’s my favorite,” one dancer said as she jumped with joy.
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Gueretti teaches a variety of styles in her line dancing class, ranging from waltz to honky-tonk. Songs that they dance to include “Coca-Cola Cowboy” and “On an Evening in Roma.” Dancers not only get their daily exercise and a chance to learn something new but they are given an opportunity to socialize and make friends.
“It’s more popular than it used to be,” said Gueretti. “The exercise is so important, keeps our bones moving.”
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Contrary to popular belief, line-dancing does not involve dancers standing in a straight line and spinning around in circles. The feel of the space is more open. It can be considered more of a group ballroom dance that is done without a partner. Everyone has their own space and they are spinning around and doing the motions in unison with everyone else on the floor.
Gueretti is a former ESL teacher. She began taking line-dancing lessons seven years ago. It has now evolved into a great passion.
“I thought I was retired but I started dancing,” said Gueretti. “I never thought line-dancing was like this in the beginning, so many dances.”
Dancers are transported to a different era when dancing was everything. According to Gueretti, line-dancing is about getting together, having fun and enjoying the people you are with. And this class does just that.
Those interested in joining can find more information .
