When faced with “the chance to sit it out or dance,” Lee Ann Womack’s Grammy Award-winning song, I Hope You Dance, encourages listeners to choose the latter. Since its founding in 2013, members of the USA Dance Mohawk Valley Chapter #3066 in Utica, NY, have eagerly chosen not only to dance but also to invite both seasoned and novice dancers to join them.
“Our chapter’s mission is to promote ballroom dancing and, as a non-profit, to give back to the community through dancing,” said Wayne Turkowski, a longtime USA Dance member and Chapter 3066’s Board President/Treasurer.
This summer, some chapter members shared their love of dance by volunteering to support a special group—veterans, injured service members, and their families—at the group’s annual Warrior Retreat. The weekend event, attended by approximately 100 participants, was sponsored by the Sitrin Health Care Center at its 142-acre Camp Sitrin, as part of its comprehensive Military Rehabilitation program.
“We are committed to serving the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of injured service members and veterans,” said Jackie Warmuth, the center’s Vice President of Development. “The ballroom dancing lesson perfectly served those goals and was a greatly appreciated addition to the retreat’s fun activities.”
Including the dance lesson on the weekend’s schedule was former Army Staff Sergeant Chris Freund’s way of helping fellow injured vets benefit from what he called “movement therapy.” Freund, 43, has participated in the center’s rehabilitation program to learn how to cope with the Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) he experienced after completing four tours of duty in Kosovo and Iraq, which ended in 2009. He also took Turkowski’s group dance lessons at a local college.
He explained, “I tended to self-isolate, stay alone at home to avoid situations that might trigger painful memories, but dancing provided opportunities to go out and socialize with others.” He believed inviting USA Dance members to teach at the retreat was an ideal opportunity for the other vets to learn how to deal with their emotional scars.
On a warm, sun-drenched Saturday afternoon, Turkowski and Chapter #3066 member Ingrid Otto taught basic East Coast Swing patterns to the veterans and their partners under a large, airy pavilion. The duo emphasized the importance of balance, demonstrated various hold positions, and explained the concepts of leaders and followers. “Remember that girls are always right and therefore start with the right foot in most dances, including the East Coast Swing,” Ingrid cheerfully instructed. Peals of laughter followed. During the hour-long lesson, the novice dancers practiced the basic steps and graduated to doing the underarm turn.
As Turkowski explained, “Learning ballroom dancing is not at the top of the list of priorities for most military personnel. Large crowds and loud noises are stressful for many vets, so the campground was the perfect venue for them; they enjoyed the lesson, and many were interested in continuing to learn to dance – a good sign that our efforts were successful.” He noted that the class provided a positive, low-pressure environment in which the veterans could relax, communicate with others, and overcome the difficulties they often experience in social situations. As Ingrid later commented, the dancers even welcomed the call to “rotate partners” as the change allowed them to dance with different people and get to know them.
Asked if dance lessons would be included on next year’s Warrior Retreat schedule, Warmuth responded with a resounding “yes” but with a caveat, “If we can get volunteers to teach the class.”
Both Wayne Turkowski and Ingrid Otto have already indicated that they would welcome the opportunity to teach ballroom dancing again at next year’s Warrior Retreat.
Chapter #3066 also actively participates in other community outreach services. For example, members “have taken the show on the road” to area nursing homes and retirement communities, including care centers for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Residents, some in wheelchairs, watch dancers perform the Swing, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, and Waltz to music from the 1940s through the ‘60s. Some residents even partner with USA Dance members, while others keep the beat with percussion instruments – maracas, tambourines, and triangles – that the dancers provide.
“Our residents eagerly look forward to these exhibition dances,” said an activities director. “They not only entertain, but also encourage conversation and help the residents reminisce about their youthful days.” A resident in a wheelchair smiled and added, “The dances take me back to my high school days, when I was known to do a lively Jitterbug and Lindy Hop.”
Additionally, USA Dance members volunteer at the Utica Maennerchor’s many fundraising events to support the German Club, where the chapter hosts its monthly dances. “Volunteering is our way of showing our appreciation to the club for our ongoing use of its facilities, including its spacious, beautifully maintained hardwood floor, recognized as one of the best in Central New York,” said Kathy Contino-Turner, Membership and Location Coordinator for USA Dance Chapter #3066. She has been a Board member since 2016.
Whether it’s inspiring beginner dancers, enjoying the art of ballroom dance, connecting with the community, or sharing the joy of dance with those who can no longer attend events, sitting it out is not an option for USA Dance Chapter #3066 members. When the music strikes up, they dance!
USA Dance Mohawk Valley Chapter #3066 holds its dances on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Utica Maennerchor, 5535 Flanagan Road, Marcy, NY. All are invited!
https://www.facebook.com/USAdance3066 .
