Each Monday evening, the Vicksburg Senior Center helps folks sharpen their line and ballroom dancing skills — and then some, the center’s director says.

“These classes are so good for so many reasons, other than just learning the dances,” said Jennifer Harper. “It helps with their coordination, their social skills. Everything about it is wonderful.”

Harper became the center’s director 6 1/2 years ago. When she took over, she said, she was given the authority to make changes in the programs — if she wanted. “But they said, ‘Don’t get rid of the dancing lessons.’ They definitely emphasized that.”

If you goLine dancing and ballroom dancing lessons are from 6 until 8 p.m. each Monday at the Vicksburg Senior Center, 1413 Walnut St.The lessons are weekly from 6 until 8 p.m. During the first hour, leader Kay Bennett takes the group through line-dancing steps. The remainder of the time is filled with ballroom dancing lessons by Sam and Grace Wong.

Harper said many participants use the lessons as practice for socials put on by the senior center each year, including the group’s Christmas dance.

“But whatever the reason is, it’s just good fun for them,” she said. “And it’s something you can do with a partner or come on your own if you want.”

Harper said attendance numbers for the lessons have fluctuated over the years, ranging from just a few one week to a large group the next, usually depending on the weather.

“No matter, we’re always looking for more participants,” she said.

The dancing lessons are just one of many weekly activities offered by the center. Others include computer lessons, card games, chair exercises, Bingo and piano and dulcimer lessons.

“But the dancing is an activity that I think seniors in our community really need to try,” Harper said. “It’s good in helping create a healthy lifestyle and also helps polish communication skills.”

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