Many people can experience loneliness during the pandemic, but one group of local seniors has managed to avoid this by line dancing.
They call themselves the COVID (Carry On (punch out the Virus) In Dance) 12 PACK. Margaret Waldron organized the group of 12 dancers after they realized they learned they would no longer be able to gather in-person at the Seniors Centre.
Since March, they have been practicing different line dancing routines through virtual calls to continue staying active and being social. As they've gotten used to using technology for their group, Waldron said they decided to experiment by creating a video of one of their routines.
She said they thought it would be fun to develop a video to challenge people’s perceptions of older generations.
“We wanted to show people that seniors are not crepid, old people ... We can still dance! We consider ourselves ‘young seniors’.” said Waldron.
"Everyone that’s seen it has been very positive and we’ve loved that."
In the beginning, COVID-12 PACK started off with groups of four on a virtual call, with one person leading the routine within each group. These calls were held five days a week. With seven instructors in the group, Waldron said she manages a schedule for all of them, ensuring each gets equal teaching time.
"We've learned a lot about technology this past year," said Waldron, "We were conference calling and somebody would choose the dance and teach it, and we would all play it at the same time and dance at home.”
Now that restrictions have eased, the group will meet up at Riverside Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays to practice outside. Waldron said they continue to maintain social distancing when meeting up.
She adds all of them have agreed to limit contact with other people so that they can continue practicing together.
“We're not asking more people to join us. We're just going to stick with our own group because we're all familiar with each other and we're all being careful." said Waldron.
With Winter approaching, the group is planning to make a Christmas video to share with friends and family after the responses to their first one. Waldron said they will continue to use the park for as long as they can, but are not afraid to go back to meeting virtually to practice.
“If it’s not icy, we’re still going to do dancing, even if it’s in boots.” said Waldron.
She said the experience been a learning curve for all members, but she couldn't imagine what her COVID-19 experience would be like without this group.
"I don’t know what I would’ve done without this, as this has been a lifesaver for me, and others would agree." said Waldron. “I can’t tell you how much this has changed my life, because I thought I wouldn’t be doing anything during COVID. Getting this group together has been great. It has been super.”
