News - Local - South County

Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008

It takes two to Tango

Seniors meet at the Veterans Memorial Building in Pismo once a month in costume to practice a variety of dances

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Donning her best silver dancing heels and a slinky bright pink dress, Elizabeth West and husband Bob swirled around the smooth hardwood floor at the Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Building last Monday afternoon.

The Atascadero couple, who are in their 70s, say the monthly dances keep them physically and mentally healthy and young at heart.

“We love it,” Elizabeth West said. “(Dancing) keeps couples together.”

The monthly dances are gaining momentum in Pismo Beach and are known to lure as many as 100 seniors between Santa Maria and Paso Robles each month.

Dancers’ ages range from about 60 to 97 years old.

Single and widowed dancers are encouraged to attend, as every other song is a mixer dance where people exchange partners.

Ray Swanagon, 81, of San Luis

Obispo said he uses the dances to spend time with his wife, socialize and get some exercise.

“Growing old is a lot about attitude,” he said. “You have to have fun.”

At the most recent dance last week, single ladies lined up and swayed to the tunes of the live band as they waited patiently for the next available male dancer to approach.

The band played an array of classic songs that prompted dancers to cha cha, tango, waltz and line dance around the room.

In honor of the Olympics theme for the August dance, 78-year-old Marge Haskins of Arroyo Grande wore navy blue and white gym shorts that matched partner Jesse Troll’s outfit.

Others wore red, white and blue T-shirts and hats to show their festive support for the American teams in the Olympics.

Levels of mobility and skill vary.

A 96-year-old man shuffled along to keep up with his partner’s waltz moves, but both were content to just be out on the dance floor together.

“At our age, everyone just enjoys being together and having a good time,” said Troll, 78, of Arroyo Grande.

When Troll’s wife died six years ago, he waited about a year before trying to get out and meet other people.

He said he had no choice but to do what the ladies like to do.

“All the girls I met wanted to go dancing,” Troll said with a sly smile.