2 minute read
FUN
Lifting Spirits and Staying Fit
Dancing is second nature to me. I teach Polynesian dance: Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori, and Cook Islands dance as a volunteer.
Marji at the Kay Meek Theatre in West Vancouver Marji leading one of her popular dance classes
I have been dancing for about 50 years. During my career days, I kept it up as a hobby . . . it’s good for the body and soul and it has helped me stay in shape and I am sure my activity has helped me avoid a lot of ailments.
I have performed thousands of times over the years, in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, for the Lotto Canada draw, Telethons, CBC, Luaus, Ethnic celebrations (Persian New Year, Korean New Year, Greek Festival, Serbian Festival, etc.),
Greek Summer Festival in Vancouver on Boundary Road Marji on the cover of the 2016 Seniors Directory Expo ’86, Air Tahiti Nui, Brock Fahrni @ Women’s Hospital, Culture Days, Centennial Theatre Folkfest, the Kitsilano Showboat for 45 years, and in hospitals, seniors facilities, and nursing homes.
I also teach Hula for Health for seniors (55+). Our group name is Spirit of the South Seas – Hula Halau Na Keiki ‘O Ohana Lokahi. Because I volunteer, the centre offers the class
Dancers at Kitsilano Showboat, a Vancouver landmark in its 85th year, for all ages from keiki (children) to adults
Because I volunteer, the centre offers the class for $2 per person so it’s affordable for people on fixed incomes.
At Kitsilano Showboat, performing a saucy Hawaiian number for $2 per person so it’s affordable for people on fixed incomes. We perform a lot in the community . . . the seniors love to show off what they’ve learned!
My seniors range in age from 57 to 88. All the exercise movements taught in the class are applied to the dances they learn. The classes have become a social event for the seniors . . . after class we often go to the restaurant across the street for tea. A ukulele class follows the dance class; some dance members join the “ukers” while the rest of us “party” at the restaurant. The groups join for many community performances including seniors’ residences; we car-pool because many of the seniors do not drive. Our activities are so much fun and so healthy for us all! s
Culture Days 2019, Lynn Valley Public Library
At Kitsilano Showboat (Marji in blue) in a Tahitian aparima
Marji Wallace is a reader of The Scrivener. Before she retired, she was an Engineering Tech at BC Tel/Telus.
