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Resource Center » The Louisville Rat Racers will be at our Chapter Dance
The Louisville Rat Racers will be at our Chapter Dance
- Author:
- Melva Smith
- Date Published:
- August 1, 2011
Get ready to Rat Race. That's right. On July 23 The Louisville Rat Racers will be at our chapter dance to show us how this native to Louisville dance is done. Those of you who have been following the story already know that our group stepped up to meet the need when asked to Rat Race by local seniors at a nursing home. This your chance to learn and to help preserve the Rat Race. It is your opportunity to use your dance skills to entertain others as we will be returning to the nursing homes during Ballroom Dance Week in September.
Why entertain at nursing homes and other events? The following dancers answer this question without hesitation. "It is a pleasure and we all feel blessed we can do this for our communities and the residents of the facilities we perform in. " said dance instructor/ choreographer Gwen Walker who dances in Nursing/ Health & Rehab centers on a monthly basis. I personally get lost in the moment while we are doing the dances and I let all my own joy & love of dancing bubble out for all to see during the whole routine. To put it straight and honest, I am doing what God led me to do, to bring a bit of joy, smiles and fun to those that may not get much at that moment." Gwen said.
"Around Christmas 2005, some of my class danced for the first time at the nursing home in Blue Ridge." Instructor Sandy Schubert of Blue Ridge, Georgia said. "I wasn't sure what the response would be and was overjoyed with the smiles and appreciation that we received from the group. We received as much joy as we provided and were asked to come back by both the staff and the residents. Since that time, we've been dancing by request at the nursing home, the Senior Center, parades, community and church social functions. Depending on where we are dancing and space available, we may invite people to join us on an easy dance. We have received positive feedback and we enjoy sharing our time and talent with our community." she added. The following two groups took entertaining to the next level. Meet Kathy Richau of New York. Kathy has led a dance team for the past 15 years with great success.
"As a team we do about 70-75 performances a year; making donations that we receive to area charities throughout the year. We have made a name for ourselves, since at every performance we hand out our business cards and our name is in the local papers where we are performing."
"We liked doing what we do by performing for charity service clubs and community events so well, that we decided to make it legal and get a logo," said instructor Lisa M. Johns-Grose of the Cactus Moon Dance Club in St. Lucie County, Fl. Lisa who is president of the group, but was a student at the time, enjoyed following their leaders from event to event while raising money for local charities. "Each year in the month of December at our monthly meeting, we all vote to see where we choose to donate our monies." she explained. Some of the money collected by the group comes from 50/50 raffles at each weekly class. "Each person who pays their yearly dues of $25.00 has a say in where they choose to see a portion of those monies go. Some years we have donated to 6 or 8 charities, other years all have agreed on 3 or 4. The first year in 1995 that we were incorporated, we gave away over $500.00....This past year we gave away more than $3000.00 to the Treasure Coast Food Bank, Mustard Seed (which host a local food kitchen for the homeless), The Early coalition for learning of St. Lucie County and Treasure Coast Hospice." Lisa said. Eventually their efforts led to two annual events, making their total for last year over $4500.00.
"Not one member is paid for their teaching, perfomances or even uniforms or travel. We all do what we do for the love of dance and for the love of helping people." Lisa added with enthusiasm.
Instructor Lorraine Kurtela of San Carlos, CA offers what is probably the best inspiration to encourage us all to get up and dance at these events. "I am 86 and can relate to what the residents may like to listen to and watch... It is quite rewarding and they love hearing all the songs that they can relate to, and evensing along a bit. I am sight impaired, and do not drive, but my goal eventually is, if I should be in need of a rest home... I will teach the residents!"
