Submitted by Mae Carroll

The dancing Queens and King of Salisbury recently entertained the residents at the VA Medical Center in the Atrium of Bldg. 42.
They performed four dances: “Ms. Jody Thang,” “Trail Riders Shuffle,” “Cupid Love Slide,” and “Work it out.”

A Christmas prayer was given by Queen Phronice and music was provided by Kia Brice.
The group was invited by VAMC staff Aleshia Brandon and head nurse Tiffany to perform. The dance group is sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Department under the auspicies of the Healthy Rowan Coalition.

 

The dance group was initiated two years ago as a project of the Healthy Rowan Coalition.
According to Healthy Rowan, Rowan County ranked 73 of 100 counties in North Carolina in health outcomes, which means 27th from the bottom. Surrounding counties such as Iredell, Stanley, Davie ,Davidson, Cabarrus had much higher health ratios than Rowan.

Since research has found that exercise and physical activity helps to promote improved physical and mental health, a line dance exercise group was established by Mae Carroll, member of the Healthy Rowan Coalition, to foster improved health in a senior population.
The group currently consists of more than 25 members, ages 55-85. The group has danced in nursing homes, retirement homes, health fairs, sororities, health programs, Juneteenth parades, churches, senior centers, art councils and civic and city programs.

Members of the Healthy Rowan Coalition, headed by Alyssa Smith, meet once a month and have, over the last two years, initiated many health programs for youth, adults and seniors and have steadily moved higher in health ranking among the 100 counties in North Carolina.
The linedance members practice at Halls Gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon. All seniors (age 55-85) desirous of line dance exercises may attend free of charge. Each member of the performing line dance group has acquired a coordinator position.

The group entertained the residents at Angel at Heart Living Nursing Home in China Grove last Tuesday. Those participating were Queen Vanessa (scheduling and communication coordinator); Queen Sandra (parade coordinator); Queen Tanny (community coordinator); Queen Montina (yard sale coordinator); Queen Ann (scrapbook coordinator); Queen Bessie (health fair coordinator); Queen Elaine (birthday coordinator); Queen Phronice (chaplain); Queen Mae (founder and general coordinator); Queen Helen (acting finance officer); Queen Jeano (instructor); King Nelson (deejay); and honorary members Dinah and Kevin, plus staff Steve Clark and Kia Brice.

The Queens are scheduled to entertain the residents at Oak Park Retirement Home, Carolina Nursing Facility and Acordius Nursing Home during the Christmas holidays .
In addition, the group performed in the Cleveland Christmas Parade on Dec. 7, and was named the “Regular Winner” for the whole parade. They danced in red shirts embossed with the Queens logo and black pants, topped with Santa Claus hats.

Learn more at 704-640-0877 or Oomaecarroll@aol.com