By Alan Suderman
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Mosey on over to Eagle’s Trace and you just might find yourself in the middle of a line dancing class. The style of dance, popular in honky tonks and dance halls around the state, has become popular with the people who live at this Houston community because, they say, it’s a good way to exercise both the body and the brain.

“It’s as good for the mental process as your physical ability – the coordination of the two,” says resident Claude Roberts, who helps organize the community’s line dancing classes. “And it’s a just a lot of fun.”

Smooth moves
At a recent event held for prospective residents, Roberts and about a dozen other residents showed off their moves to a crowd of about 100 people. The group danced to country songs and old classics. They also invited anyone in the crowd to dance with them, showing how easy it is to learn to line dance.

“Anyone can do it, if they are willing to take it one step at a time,” says Norma DeCuir, another line dancer who lives at Eagle’s Trace.

The social connection
“Get on up here or you’ll be sorry,” Bob Bedient told the audience. And he should know. He says that besides being a lot of fun and good exercise, becoming part of a line dancing group that meets regularly is a great way to make lasting friendships.

“Above all is the social aspect,” he says. “These people become your family.”

“We all love each other in the group,” Roberts adds, referring to the group of about 15 residents who get together regularly to take line dancing classes or to practice.

And line dancing is perfect for the single adult who enjoys dancing but doesn’t have a partner, both Roberts and DeCuir say.

Pursuits like line dancing are what the Erickson lifestyle is all about, says Eagle’s Trace Fitness Coordinator Shirley Woods.

“Being active and learning new things is something we promote here at Erickson,” she says. “And it’s a blast.”