Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1510006
Ocean Hills Dance Troupe — Its Beginnings… Dancing at Ocean Hills began shortly after the place opened. A tiny, red-haired woman of 80 named Lucille started a tap class in the Mykonos Room in 1986. Lucille would teach the steps, then sit at the piano and play for the students to dance. She booked shows at retirement communities and other venues for the students to perform. Her friend Sid Miniken went along to sing between numbers, giving the dancers time to change costumes. She taught for a few years, and then a tall, handsome, gifted tapper named Bo Wagner took over the class. He was one of the original members of Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers. He had begun performing at age 8 and danced in Las Vegas, in Disney Parks, and other venues, and appeared in movies and on TV. He was quite a find for Ocean Hills! He had to leave because of his business ventures, but found another talented tapper/teacher named Ellie Oakley, who took over the class. Ellie taught here for many years and was the first to put on the big production shows that we have enjoyed ever since. These early dancers had the opportunity of dancing in foreign countries, thanks to a friend of tapper Mary Jane Kerber who put together tours for groups that wanted to perform overseas. So, during the nineties this beginning band of dancers travelled to Australia, Japan, England, and Italy, performing in two or three places during each tour! The picture is of that early group. ~Written by Valerie ompson 14 | OHCC LIVING | NOVEMBER 2023 | Ocean Hills Dance Troupe Line Dancers As for getting adults engaged in a healthy physical activity, line dancing is a perfect exercise for improving coordination and balance, increasing cardiovascular health and brain memory, and is seen as an effective treatment for Alzheimer's, dementia and depression. Come join us! Regular Line dance class schedule: Beginner (1): Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 am, $5 Improver (2): Mondays, 12:30 – 2 pm, $7 Intermediate (3) Tuesdays, 12 – 1:30 pm, $10 Want to try it out? Come on by. You don't have to be a Line Dance Club member; however, you will be expected to pay for the class, which pays the instructor. After a trial, you will need to join the club. Dues are $10/year. If you are interested in participating in our activities and are not sure who to reach out to for further information, please call Sunny Griffin (970) 708-0443. Also, please visit our website, https://ohccvillagelinedan.wixsite.com/linedancing