The Fat Tuesday tradition of carb-loading must have paid off for the residents at Valparaiso’s Rittenhouse Village, as the entire senior living center seemed to be hopping and bopping to the rhythm of the beat at the center’s Valentine’s Dance.
The residents didn’t seem to mind that the dance was actually a day-off from Cupid’s holiday; they were much too busy enjoying themselves amidst the live DJ, chocolate fountain, and the overall togetherness that the event brought to the center’s main living area.
“It’s just the music, the dancing, and everybody being happy, that’s what I love the most,” said Loretta Kelly, a resident at Rittenhouse. “Even for those who can’t dance, it’s a nice time just being here with everyone.”
There was certainly a feeling of joy and vivacity among the residents, and many even surprised themselves with how light on their feet they were while moving out onto the dance floor.
“For old ladies, I would say we’re pretty good dancers,” joked Kelly alongside her good friend Letty Chona.
The event was open to the public, though the main visitors grabbing everyone’s attention were undoubtedly the Bonner Senior Dancers, who had made the trip over from the Bonner Senior Center in Portage. The senior dancing group travels to a variety of events in the Region, from small assisted-living events like the one on Tuesday at Rittenhouse, to larger events like the Porter County Fair every summer.
Carol Sheppard is the Dance Director at Bonner, and she leads the group of senior dancers ranging from their early 60’s to their late 80’s. Their oldest member, however, is 91 years old, though folks would hardly be able to guess from the hip-swinging moves she brought with her to the Valentine’s Dance at Rittenhouse.
“Seeing our oldest member out there like that, it proves to me no matter what your age is, if you stay active and keep moving, you’ll be on your feet for a long time,” said Sheppard. "Dancing is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy.”
Besides the health benefits that they brought to the event, the Bonner Senior Dancers were just happy to show off their moves, pull some bashful residents out onto the dance floor, and to put a smile on the faces of residents and staff members alike in the process.
“Everyone really looks forward to these events, and I think events like these show that we really are a family here,” said Natalie Reisman, the Senior Lifestyle Counselor at Rittenhouse. “It’s also so great for the family members to come and see Mom and Dad, or maybe Grandma and Grandpa, having fun, trying something new, and doing the things they love to do."