Article and photos submitted by Linda Chism
Where does a $5 admission translate into an evening packed with social interaction, aerobic exercise and great entertainment? Almost 50 seasoned adults found that answer at a celebration of the Roaring Twenties March 8 at the Garland Senior Center. The dance drew residents from Garland, Plano and as far away as the Love Field area of Dallas.
Many came dressed for the occasion. One man sported pinstripe pants and suspenders while another showed up as the quintessential college freshman complete with wide-brim straw hat and raccoon coat. Smartly dressed ladies appeared in flapper dresses with beads, boas and feathers.
The two-man Doc Gibbs Band provided music and almost everyone in the room took at least one turn on the dance floor. Especially popular were the rumbas, waltzes, line dancing and of course, the Charleston. Those of the male persuasion stayed busy escorting ladies, many of whom are widows, onto the floor.
Any pre-conceived notions of rocking-chair bound seniors were quickly dispelled by the vibrancy of the attendees.
According to Joyce Richards, now in her 80s, “Staying home watching TV and going to bed at 9 o’clock is not part of my life. I want to get out and have fun.”
Joyce has been active her entire life, having married at the tender age of 15. She and her late husband began dancing at the Elks Club and never stopped until his death seven years ago after 58 years of marriage. Joyce now lives at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Garland.
Another attendee, Grace Pearl, loves to dress up for these dances. In fact, no one could have missed her sequined black flapper dress accented with red-streaked hair and a locket bearing a picture of her late husband. Grace has led an amazing life. She joined the Navy right out of high school, serving four years before returning to college to earn her degree. She then re-enlisted as a commissioned officer. She met her husband while serving her country and they were married on board the USS Lexington in Pensacola, Florida. Following his discharge, they returned to his native Texas, raising a daughter in Plano.
Next to Grace sat Susan Breedlove who had worked in her yard all day and almost decided not to come. But her friend, Grace, was insistent. In addition to learning to dance, she bowls two to three times a week. Like many seniors, Susan shares her home with her son and his children in a multigenerational household.
Perhaps the oldest attendee was 91-year-old Pat White whose father had taught her to dance as a child. She has been on a dance floor ever since, even teaching her husband the essential steps when they married. They waltzed through 63 years of marriage before his death eight years ago.
Just behind Pat in dancing dedication is the event organizer, Texie Dudley. A Garland resident for over 50 years, she has been involved in the Senior Center dances since 2002. Like most of the ladies in the room, Texie is a widow. Since her husband’s death almost 20 years ago, she has met a new dance partner, Carl Ives. Although he will be 90 on his next birthday, Carl still works as the maintenance man for a 123-unit apartment complex.
Rounding out those who choose to stay active through dancing were Gary and Elaine Teague. Gary has a vested interest in the success of the dances. He has worked for the center as a bus driver for 22 years. While Elaine’s bad knees limit her to two dances a night, Gary is on the floor almost every number. He takes special interest in ladies who are just learning to dance or who may not have had as much opportunity as others to venture onto the dance floor.
Wrapping up the dance at the end of the evening were the awards for best costumes. Winning first place was Tony Granado, followed by Gary Teague, Linda Barnes and Pat White. But even without a prize, everyone who attended left the dance a winner. After all, where else can $5 buy so much fun?