How to go
Who: Miami Valley Folk Dancers
Where: Michael Solomon Pavilion, at Community Golf Course, 2917 Berkley St., Kettering
When: Every Thursday night and second Sunday of the month
Schedule: Thursday– beginners class (7-8 p.m.); programmed and request dancing (8-9 p.m. and 9:30-11 p.m.); teaching (9-9:30 p.m.); Sunday – teaching and request dancing (2:30-5 p.m.); covered dish dinner (5-6 p.m.)
Cost: $2 non-member fee on Thursdays (first time is free), Sundays are free
More info: www.daytonfolkdance.com/mvfd
Carole Pappas knew exactly what she was getting into from the moment she and her husband John said, “I do.”
“We went folk dancing on our honeymoon,” John said, smiling. “It was total immersion, but she was really good about it.”
Born in Macedonia, John practiced his native dances since childhood and wanted to introduce his bride to his and other cultures. Four decades later, the couple is still happily dancing together as longtime members of the Miami Valley Folk Dancers.
The Miami Valley Folk Dancers – one of the oldest recreational dance groups in the Dayton area — has been celebrating the music, dances and cultures of people near and far for more than six decades.
“I fell in love with the people the first time I came here,” Carole said. “We rarely miss a night.”
The Miami Township couple is not alone as the weekly Thursday night dances are well attended at the Michael Solomon Pavilion in Kettering. From Scotland to Poland and Romania to Austria, club members learn traditional dances from more than 40 different countries – not in one night, of course.
And while folk dancing might bring to mind images of experienced dancers in colorful costumes, neither experience nor costumes are required – just comfortable clothes and a willingness to learn. You don’t even need a partner as the club does line and circle dances, in addition to couple dances.
“We have some very basic dances and several members who really like to teach,” said Bill Vernon, Miami Valley Folk Dancers council chairperson. “It’s perfect for beginners.”
Vernon got his start in folk dancing more than a decade ago in response to his wife’s concern that they didn’t “do anything together.” It wasn’t long, however, before he was hooked.
“I knew I liked it right away,” he said.
Fitness, fun and friendship
Research conducted by the Centre for Policy on Ageing in London touts the many benefits of dancing, especially for older adults. Improved balance, strength and gait, along with a good aerobic workout, are just a few of the physical benefits. Dance has also been shown to be beneficial in the direct treatment of a number of conditions including arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and depression.
The study went on to explain that regular physical activity by older adults reduces the occurrence of a number of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and osteoporosis.
Vernon, 73, enjoys challenging his mind as well as his body.
“I love the intellectual challenge of dancing, it really gets the brain working,” he said. “You have to operate on a couple of different levels — your mind and body need to be coordinating with the music.”
Beyond the health benefits, the dancers — who predominantly range in age from 40 to 80 years old — have fun.
“You come here for the dancing, you stay for the people,” John said.
In their words
Not sure if folk dancing is for you? Longtime and rookie dancers, alike, share what brings them back week after week.
“I love to dance and I love the company. It keeps you active and there is no pressure to perform. You can just enjoy it,” Maureen Moloney, Dayton
“You don’t need to know how to dance, that’s the fun part. And you get to learn about the cultures, not just the dances,” Marsha Markert, Centerville
“It’s good mental exercise as well as physical exercise because you have to remember the steps,” Carole Pappas, of Miami Twp.
“You don’t have to worry about making mistakes, everyone makes mistakes. It’s just so good for the human body – physically and mentally,” John Pappas.
“Sure, it takes time to learn some of the dances, but you have fun doing it — a lot of fun,” Bill Vernon, Lebanon
“Some of our members are approaching 80 years old and attribute their mental alertness and physical health to the challenges associated with learning new dances while having a great deal of fun,” Dolores Brooks, Centerville
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