Story and photos by Crystal Hayduk
For the last 24 years, Susan Bauer’s Tuesday afternoon line dancing class has been a source of fun and fitness in the community.
Wilma Bullard, who has attended the class for many years, said she likes Bauer’s style, and appreciates the continuity and familiarity of the class.
Bauer’s style can best be described as eclectic. While most people equate line dancing with country music or party dances such as the Electric Slide, Bauer’s students enjoy a wide variety of music. Beyond country songs, she has choreographed swing, waltzes, polkas, and Latin dances, as well as dances for disco, Motown, current pop tunes, and even seasonal songs during the holidays.
A variety of research studies have shown that dance provides numerous health benefits. Because it is aerobic exercise, it can improve the cardiovascular system. The mental aspect of learning steps to music and the social aspect of being with others lead to improved cognitive ability and mental health. Regular dancing also aids in balance and motor skills. (More information on health benefits here and here.)
Jeannie Aten credits line dancing for improving her movement and balance. “Sometimes I come to class barely able to walk, but I do what I can and I feel and function so much better at the end of class,” she said.
Bauer stresses safety in her classes, teaching students ways to move that improve balance, build muscle strength, and prevent injury. She also provides instruction to help students who need to make accommodations to a routine for any reason. “If a student feels that the music or the dance is too fast, for example, he or she can take smaller steps,” she said.
To see Bauer’s expressive dancing and her joy in teaching, it’s hard to believe she didn’t grow up in a dance studio. “There was no school for dance in Chelsea when I was a girl,” said Bauer. “I had no formal training until college. I had a part in Chelsea Area Players’ production of the musical ‘Oklahoma’ and enjoyed it so much that I decided to minor in dance at Eastern Michigan University.”
New line dancing students are always welcome. Mary Tomac joined the class this winter. “I’d never line danced before, but I wanted to try new things and maximize my membership at the Chelsea Wellness Center,” she said. “I love the class. Susan is so fun and knowledgeable and changes things up. I’m getting a different type of exercise and one I enjoy so much. I need strong legs for [horseback] riding and I’m using my brain to learn patterns which also helps me to remember reining patterns.”
What: Line Dancing
Instructor: Susan Bauer
When: Weekly on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for eight-week sessions
Where: Chelsea Wellness Center, 14800 E Old US Hwy 12.
To attend: Registration required.
Cost: Free with CWC membership, fee for non-members is $56; and $50 for those over age 55.
More information: Call CWC at 734-214-0220.
