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Every Thursday morning, about 90 to 100 seniors gather in the Magnolia Building on Lake Mirror to dance with their peers. They’re members of the Lakeland Seniors Dance & Social Club which brings adults 55 and over together for more than just movement.
Founded in 2001, the volunteer-run group organizes a weekly two-hour session of structured dancing from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees can participate in line dancing, ballroom, swing, and other styles.
The group welcomes experienced dancers and beginners. Some prefer not to dance; they come just for the company and the music.
“It’s an energetic group,” said long-time attendee and club treasurer Dave Gill. “We love each other. We consider ourselves a family.”
The club is funded by a $5 admission fee, which helps pay for music, refreshments, and monthly meals. As part of its support for senior activities, the city allows the club to use the Magnolia building rent-free.
A found community
For many attendees, the club offers more than a place to dance, and friendships extend beyond Thursday mornings.
Members regularly check on one another when someone is absent, celebrate birthdays together, and support fellow dancers through illness and other life events, according to Gill.
One couple met through the club and later married. Another member, now 98 years old, still attends and dances.
“Some people can’t dance anymore,” Gill said. “But they love the music. They love the social part. They love interacting with other people their age.”
Longtime member Maggie Hallam said she joined the club about 15 years ago after looking for opportunities to meet people her own age. A retired Polk County teacher, she now counts many fellow dancers among her closest friends.
“I just love seeing all the people I gather with,” Hallam said. They play cards together and stay connected throughout the week.
The dance club prides itself on welcoming both long time members, and newcomers alike. Retired attorney Rob Raleigh, who moved to Kathleen from the Atlanta area about two and a half years ago, found the club shortly after relocating to Polk County.
“I thought I was going to miss the ballroom scene,” he said. “I Googled dancing, and this popped right up. Not only did I find dancing, but I found a community.”
Post-pandemic participation
The club reached its highest attendance before the COVID-19 pandemic, averaging around 140 dancers each week and recording a high of 179 attendees in February 2019.
“We had some deaths, of course, with COVID, and less people came out,” Gill said. “I think some people are fearful to be around crowds like this.”
Like many community organizations, it suspended operations for about a year during the pandemic before gradually rebuilding its membership.
Since then, participation has remained steady and the club continues to attract longtime members and newcomers, especially as local advocates for senior citizens promote their programing.
Allie Bates, coordinator at Age Friendly Lakeland, said the club is one of her favorite activities available to Lakeland seniors because staying connected and moving can help the most vulnerable lead longer, more fulfilled lives.
“When you have a reason or something you’re interested in, or you know that you’re going to see some friendly faces, and somebody asks about how you’re doing, (seniors) are really motivated to get out of the house and attend,” Bates said.
Gill said the club’s goal is simple: continue offering seniors a welcoming place to stay active and connected.
“We’re very friendly,” he said. “You don’t have to dance. You can come, sit down, have coffee, and meet people. Chances are you’ll get up and dance.”
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