GCL Invites You to Shake a Leg

Contra Dancing photo public domain.

The Garland County Library is presenting a series of exercise and dance related programs, including Family Exercise Dance, Contra Dancing, and Yoga. While the library may be traditionally associated with sedentary activities like reading, Library Director John Wells feels that the library should be a center for physical as well as intellectual activity. “We recently hosted some belly dance lessons and they went over so well that we’ve decided to try some more,” he said. “The summer months have been so hot that it’s hard, and even dangerous, for people to get outside and exercise, so we’ll crank up the A.C. and let them get their hearts racing here at the library.”

Family Exercise Dance will draw on a number of dance styles, including Zumba, belly dance, and Latin dances. Instructor Amy Barranco has 35 years of dance experience, is an AFAA certified fitness instructor, and teaches aerobic dance, Zumba, yoga, and Pilates at Hot Springs Health and Fitness. The class is designed to be family oriented and is suitable for parents, kids, grandparents, or singles. The first class will be Wednesday, August 25^th from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. and will continue on Wednesday evenings through October 13^th. The classes require a one time $5.00 registration fee, but are free for anyone aged eight (the minimum age) to sixteen.

“We’re hoping that this is something families will enjoy doing together,” Wells said. “ I know a lot of people who would like to attend classes like this at a gym, but either can’t afford to join or don’t want to make that kind of commitment, so this is a way to offer them a chance to spend some time doing something as a family, have fun, and get fit without breaking the bank.”

For more traditional dancing, the library is offering a series of Contra Dances. This form of folk dance, similar to square dancing, was very popular in the nineteenth century and is making a resurgence. The dances will include Circle Dances, Folk Dances like the Virginia Reel, English Country Dances, and Circle Waltzes. The sessions will be taught by Cynthia Henderson of Russellville, a member of the Arkansas Country Dance Society. Henderson is passionate about traditional dancing and is looking forward to bringing these steps to Garland County. “I’ll do anything I can to help you get people dancing,” she said. “Once people try it, many of them are hooked for life.”

Henderson hopes that people will make dancing a family affair. The minimum age for this program is eight years old and teenagers are especially encouraged to give it a try. “Teens are great and they love it,” Henderson said.

Singles are also welcome. “You don’t need a partner to come,” Henderson said. “You are supposed to get a new partner for each dance and you dance with everyone on the floor during the dance, so it doesn’t matter who your partner is. Women can dance with women. We start with dances where gender doesn’t really matter.”

The Contra Dances will be held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. on the following dates: August 28, September 11, September 25, and October 9. The dances are free, but registration is required.

To help celebrate National Yoga Month in September, the library is offering an introductory course on using yoga and meditation to manage stress. The course will be taught by Uma Rao, owner of the Amrita Yoga Center in Hot Springs. Rao has studied and practiced yoga for over 20 years, is a member of the Yoga Alliance, and has EYRT500 certification.

“I’ve talked to so many people lately who are suffering from stress related illnesses,” Rao said. “What I hope to do in this class is to introduce people to ways that they might manage their stress and live a healthier life. Since September is the month in which the Yoga Health Foundation tries to raise awareness of the health benefits of yoga, it seems like a perfect time for people who may be curious about yoga to come down to the library and give it a try. ”

The yoga class is free and open to people of all fitness levels. Those with physical problems may sit in chairs. Participants should wear loose clothing and bring beach towels or yoga mats. Registration is required.

To register or for more information about any of these programs, call 623-4161 or 922-4483 or visit the library at 1427 Malvern Avenue.