Seaford seniors kick up their heels

Ellen Sheridan can't imagine a better way to spend her Monday afternoon than learning the Charleston while line dancing at the Seaford Senior Community Service Center.

The 68-year-old Seaford woman recently took part in a free, weekly dance class that is open to Nassau County residents 60 years and older.

"This is wonderful,” Sheridan said. “It's fun to dance and be with great people."

Every time line-dance instructor Fran Gong sees the seniors learn the steps, it puts a smile on her face.

"Line dancing is great because it's exercise in disguise. It's good for the memory and body, you have to learn the dance sequences," Gong said.

Line-dancing program manager Laura Montefusco is impressed with the seniors dedication to the dance.

"This activity took off, they love it. Line dancing keeps you active, you don’t need a partner and you can do it at your own pace," she said.

Besides the dancing, the seniors love the variety of music.

"We use hip-hop, opera, country, the oldies, any and everything can be used," Gong said.

Moving their hands in the air side to side and mouthing the words to “Rock Around the Clock,” by singer Bill Haley, the seniors happily danced the afternoon away.

“This is so much fun,” said Janet Kayel, of Seaford.

For more information, call 516-679-8373.