Get to know our volunteers of the month, Senior Line Dancer Instructors!

What are the names of the instructors who volunteer to teach Line Dancing?

Darlina Ycaro, Ester Paysan, Luz Noriega, Vina Trinidad and Maria Rances (Bobot).

What does each of you do in your role as a volunteer?

Darlina checks in the people that come in and welcomes new people, Ester teaches the first 4 dances, Darlina teaches the next 4 dances, Luz, Vina and Bobot teach a few more dances in the second part of the class.

When did you begin volunteering at MPNH?

Darlina started it on April 29, 2013 and Ester followed soon after. Vina, Luz, and Bobot started after the pandemic, once the classes resumed. 

Why do you volunteer?

We want to share our dance knowledge with others. It's a pleasure to see the group dancing.  We enjoy and appreciate teaching.  It makes us happy to watch the others enjoying themselves.  

Can you share a story or instance where you felt you made an impact?

Darlina got a Neighbourhood Small Grant to teach potential future instructors.  She saw that  Luz and Vina had potential.  They weren't confident at first but Darlina encouraged them until they gained confidence and they felt ready to teach. We pick happy music.  I find music that has the correct tempo.  I look for another version of the song if it's too slow.  We adjust the twirls for certain participants that can only do a half turn instead full turn.  We adjust the steps so that even those who have a walker or a walking pole can do it.  Our classes are  very flexible so we can include everyone.   A long time ago, I used to advertise with flyers and I would hand them out on the bus. I would offer the first class for free.

Your favorite memory at MPNH?

All of us felt very welcome when we arrived at MPNH. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. Carolyn was very patient and taught Darlina how to teach classes on Zoom when we weren't able to teach in person. MPNH gave Darlina an old computer to use for those Zoom classes.

We also love the anniversary celebrations each year. Every year we do a big celebration, with pictures and a potluck. Last April we celebrated 12 years of Line Dancing at MPNH!

Feedback from staff/participants:

I have been interacting with the line dancing volunteers for more than 3 years and the thing that stands out the most about them is their friendliness and enthusiasm. Whenever I take a peek in the halls, I see a large group of joyful seniors dancing in coordinated movements.  It's a beautiful sight! On more than one occasion I have wished I had time to join them! I want to thanks all of them for their dedication and enthusiasm for what they do.