Line dancing is providing a fountain of youth, demonstrating its rejuvenating effects
In the heart of Quebec, two seniors, Rolande Marchand and Jacques Plourde, also known as "Sam," are making waves in the world of country line dancing.
Rolande, a sprightly 98-and-a-half-year-old, has been dancing for over half a century. She found solace in dance after the loss of her husband, using online platforms to continue her passion during the pandemic. Today, she can be found dancing three times a week and climbing 54 steps to her apartment on the fourth floor, a testament to her enduring spirit.
Rolande enjoys a variety of dances, including the waltz, mambo, and cha-cha-cha. However, it's country line dancing that she cherishes most. She still dances at parties in her residence and even opened the dance at a summer celebration last June.
Jacques Plourde, on the other hand, discovered country music and dance at a tractor pull competition in Berthierville at the age of 45. He started dancing to please his wife and soon developed a passion for it. Jacques, who now considers himself the "Dominique Michel" of country dancing, started teaching country dance steps in a restaurant in Lavaltrie. In 1997, he expanded his teaching to all over Lanaudière.
Jacques has reduced his teaching schedule due to age, but he continues to inspire dancers of all ages. This summer, he directed three dance evenings at the Saint-Thomas-de-Joliette Leisure Grounds, gathering about a hundred participants.
One such participant is Christine Soucy, who started country dancing after a fear of dancing in front of people and a potential diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's. Inspired by Rolande's story, Christine has become a country dance instructor herself, teaching at a dance school in Lanaudière. She boasts a country dance playlist with 400 songs and knows the step combinations for each by heart.
Country line dancing, as Jacques often emphasises, is not just a dance; it's a wonderful way to stay in shape. The rhythmic movements work the brain due to the need to string together steps following the music. It's a social activity that is largely frequented by women, according to Jacques.
As these seniors continue to dance and teach, they are proving that age is no barrier to living an active and vibrant life. Their passion for country line dancing is a testament to the power of dance as a form of exercise, social interaction, and personal expression.
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