The Campaspe Shire Council-funded initiative will be held at the Nanneella Memorial Hall on Wednesdays from October 8 to October 29, running from 6.15pm to 7pm.
“As part of seniors’ month, we have a come-and-try ballroom dancing event on,” Echuca Dance Group secretary Gwen Campbell said.
“We are going to teach an easy sequence called the Festival Glide, a slow jive type of dance.
“The lesson will start at 6.15pm and it will last for an hour, then there will be social dancing after, which is an opportunity to watch some dances, have a chat with people.”
The health benefits of dancing for seniors are well documented.
According to Ms Campbell, studies from the University of Sydney have found that undertaking structured dance of any genre is generally equal to, and occasionally more effective than, other types of interventions for improving cognitive outcomes, wellbeing, depression, motivation and some aspects of memory.
Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of age, and no dance partner is needed.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear with smooth soles, though specialised dance shoes aren’t required.
The alcohol-free event will include a light supper.
“You don’t have to be able to dance; it’s not about how good you are, it’s just about coming along and enjoying dancing. Every dancer was once a beginner,” Ms Campbell said.
The group will also be holding its annual Gala Ball at the Tongala Public Hall, Mangan St, Tongala, on October 18 from 7pm to 11pm.
For further information about both the ‘come and try’ event and the Echuca Dance Group’s Gala Ball, contact Ian Fisher on 0400 609 828 or email ijfisher@bigpond.com
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