North Bend Block Party | Mount Si Senior Center line dancers want the crowd to join in

The Mount Si Senior Center line dancing group will be performing the Dance Like No One is Watching line dance demonstration at 5 p.m. Saturday, in front of the Community Stage. Dances could include a waltz, songs from old musicals like “Hello Dolly,” country rock & roll, hip-hop and rap. Performers invite audience members to get up and dance along with them during the last two numbers, the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle. “We want to get people away from the idea that you can only line dance to country,” said Deane Haugen.

By Kira Nelson • July 17, 2013 8:12 pm
North Bend Block Party | Mount Si Senior Center line dancers want the crowd to join in

The Mount Si Senior Center line dancing group will be performing the Dance Like No One is Watching line dance demonstration at 5 p.m. Saturday, in front of the Community Stage. Dances could include a waltz, songs from old musicals like “Hello Dolly,” country rock & roll, hip-hop and rap.

Performers invite audience members to get up and dance along with them during the last two numbers, the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle.

“We want to get people away from the idea that you can only line dance to country,” said  Deane Haugen.

During classes, dancers rehearse to a number of musical styles.

Dancers choose their own outfits, so be prepared for individualized, fun and fancy skirts and cowboy boots.

Even though the dances are choreographed, everything is highly individual. “We’re seniors, we do want we want,” said Haugen. “To us, we dance just to have fun.”

Dancers practice twice a week at the center under the instruction of Haugen. Classes aren’t just for seniors, dancers range in age from 46 to 80 and come from every kind of dance background.

Haugen said that classes provide a healthy workout and great community, “We’ve all gotten new friends out of it.”

Several years ago, the dance instructors who had been teaching the line dancing classes left the Valley. So Haugen, who had little experience in dancing herself, stepped in. Currently she takes additional classes at Studio B in May Valley in order to stay up to date.

“We encourage each other,” said Haugen. “We surround each other with a community until everyone feels comfortable dancing. There is always someone around you to help you learn.”

Studies by the Mayo Clinic indicate that physical activity and mental simulation can prevent Alzheimer’s. Learning a new line dance every week incorporates both activities. Haugen works to introduce new choreography or music every class, to keep dancers engaged.

Classes are 10 a.m. Tuesdays and 4:30 p.m. Thursdays for beginners, and 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 1 p.m. Thursdays for intermediates. For more information, call the Mount Si Senior Center, (425) 888-3434.