BOONE LIFE: Dancerobics class moves and grooves to improve health

Dale White, right, a dance instructor for 32 years, leads a "Dancerobics" class Sept. 2 in Ashland. White mixes repetitive dance moves to create her semiweekly exercise class.   ¦  Samantha Clemens

ASHLAND — Wearing dance shoes or tennis shoes, people attending the "Dancerobics" class move their feet to the waltz, mambo or rumba.

Dale White, a dance instructor for 32 years, began holding classes for people who, like herself, hate to exercise. She rents out a room behind the Copper Kettle Restaurant to hold the 40-minute classes at 11 a.m. every Monday and at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

"So many of theses programs are so brutal," White said. "They're either too long or too uncomfortable."

Diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago, White found that exercise became a requirement in her life. To motivate herself, she decided to incorporate repetitious dance moves she has taught for years into a class that will get her, and others, moving, without the need of a dance partner.

"You can't do an underarm turn by yourself," White explained. "But there's many other moves you can do by yourself."

White said she thinks the class she created is an exercise routine people in their 70s can handle. During the more fast-paced songs she suggests that those who are getting tired or can't keep up with the moves continue at a slower pace instead of completely stopping.

At 63, White said she will continue to dance "as long as my feet will allow me to."