Dancing into the sunset

By Jeff O'Brien

Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 | midnight

For many seniors throughout the Las Vegas Valley, a few dance moves and socializing once a week are all they need to escape the routine of day-to-day life.

"I feel like I can let loose and be carefree," said Vida Carr as she clapped her hands to the swinging sounds of The Turning Point Band at the Rampart Casino in Summerlin.

Every Wednesday night in Addison's Lounge, more than 150 seniors enjoy the sounds of hit songs from the '40s, '50s and '60s.

"It's a chance to let their hair down, enjoy some good music, socialize with friends or just dance," said James Doucette of KJUL 104.7-FM, which until Sept. 24 sponsored "Lovin' Life" band nights on Wednesdays at Addison's.

Seniors continue to dance and socialize there on Wednesdays, even without the live bands.

Dance is just one way seniors are staying fit, said Kristie Quintero, director of fitness in the nearby age-restricted community of Sun City Summerlin.

Quintero teaches seniors Zumba, a high-energy form of Latin dance, as well as yoga, tai chi and step classes.

"I thought we were going to have a few heart attacks when the Zumba class started, but they handle it very well," Quintero said.

The group fitness classes at Sun City Summerlin are not only a time to exercise but function as a social hour. When seniors begin to notice changes and improvements in their health, Quintero said, they begin to dedicate themselves to an exercise program.

"Consistency is the most important part," Quintero said. "Once you stop, it's really hard to pick it back up. Do something you enjoy."

Back at the Rampart, Thelma Costello, another Wednesday night regular who moved to Las Vegas from New York in 1990, hit the dance floor.

Costello's philosophy on life is simple — keep active.

"I enjoy tap dancing and going to the gym, and I thank God for every minute that I have of good health," said Costello, a retired school secretary.

Kathryn Feller of Sun City Summerlin proudly strolled in wearing a bright pink bucket hat, which she called her "Las Vegas hat."

"I know every song by heart and I love this band," Feller said. "I'm definitely a regular here."

At Feller's side was her boyfriend, Las Vegas resident Jim Johnson.

"She really likes to dance and she loves this kind of music, so I came to dance with her," Johnson said. "It's her night."

As dozens of the young-at-heart strutted their stuff, good friends Terry Mulz and Arlene Jenkins were perfectly content to sit in the back row and people-watch.

"You see the same people dancing each week and you turn into a dance critic," said Mulz, a resident of Sun City MacDonald Ranch. "Some are better than others, but they're all having fun and that's what counts."

Jenkins, who is now retired after a 30-year career as a medical technician at University Medical Center, feels that music is very important for seniors — whether it's listening, playing or dancing.

"You're only here once," she said. "You've got to enjoy every minute of it."

Costello treasures the opportunity to mingle with people her age. "When all the young people show up on the weekends it's too much competition for us," Costello said.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].