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| OHCC LIVING | JANUARY 2025 | 17 Dance Troupe members love dancing and even though we sometimes have injuries, we still want to dance and sometimes do even with our injuries. A recent example of this dedication is our own Sonja Itson. Sonja broke her ankle, but it didn't keep her away from dancing. She came to class and practiced, and even though she couldn't put on her tap shoes, as you can see from the picture, she got out there and danced with us. Dancing has a broad range of health benefits. It has been demonstrated to be clinically effective at improving body image, self- esteem, attentiveness, and communication skills. It can also reduce stress, fears and anxieties, as well as lessen feelings of isolation, body tension, chronic pain, and depression, while enhancing the functioning of the body's circulatory and respiratory system. Tap is a lively and rhythmic style of dancing. It is rooted in African, Irish, and English traditions. This type of dance has a captivating expression, highlighting footwork, syncopation, and improvisation. There are many distinguished tap dancers who have contributed to the world of dance. Bill Robinson, commonly known as Bojangles, was a pioneering tap dancer who was celebrated as the best known and highest paid African American in the United States during the first half of the 20th century. Sammy Davis was a dynamic force in entertainment. Beyond his acting and singing, he excelled as a tap dancer, showcasing quick fired precision and rhythmically swinging flourishes that contributed to his legacy. Fred Astaire is a legendary figure in entertainment, acknowledged as the greatest popular music dancer of all time. His contributions have left a lasting legacy, establishing him as an iconic and influential figure in the history of entertainment. Gregory Hines played a pivotal role in the resurgence of tap dancing during the late 20th century. His creative achievements and unwavering commitment to tap dance have created a lasting and influential legacy. Ginger Rogers was an iconic figure during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She achieved fame as the partner of Fred Astaire in many musicals, which made a lasting impact. Ann Miller was not only a dynamic actress, but well known for dancing in many musicals. Her remarkable tap dancing left an enduring impact. Gene Kelly excelled as a dancer, singer and actor. He had an energetic and athletic dancing style, showcasing his commitment to the appreciation of dance. These people are our inspirations. If you have aspirations to dance, please join us at Do Dues Day. We wish you all a Very Happy, Healthy New Year! Written by Gloria Lipitz Ocean Hills Dance Troupe