The NT Department of Health and Families along with TIO support August Seniors Month each year and encourage senior Territorians to try new things, meet new friends and live an active, healthy life.
This year, Alzheimer's Australia and Darwin Wedding Dance are holding four sessions during Seniors month for older Territorians to learn a different dance step each week.
Dance instructor Ryoko Jones has been teaching Ballroom dancing for five years.
Ms Jones says ballroom dancing is the second lowest physical impact activity after swimming.
"People who have arthritis or problems with their joints or back problems think ballroom dancing is too physically active for them. It actually causes very little strain on the body.
"As long as you can walk forwards, backwards and step to the side you can dance to the music.
"It's very therapeutic - music calms you down - but it has other benefits like meeting new people, stress relief, and improving your self confidence and balance," she says.
Ms Jones adds that this is a golden opportunity to have a free go at a normally expensive hobby.
"This is a chance to try your feet at a new activity without the financial burden.
"The steps you learn at these lessons you can use when you kick up your heels on the dance floor at weddings, corporate functions or Christmas parties.
Contact 8942 1221 to register your interest.
For more information on seniors month activities visit www.seniors.nt.gov.au
Media contact: Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Two seniors will be burning up the floor this afternoon (August 1)
Where: Darwin Wedding Dance - Unit 2/63 Stoddart drive, Bayview
When: 3:30pm
Date released: 1 August 2008
