UPDATE: OKEMOS - Joyce Neilson didn't always enjoy her dance classes. She said that when she was a child, she made the decision not to go to tap classes anymore.

She never forgot that decision, but says she has definitely made up for lost times now.

After Joyce left her home after 42 years and 10 children, she decided she wanted to do something for herself. She took lessons and then began teaching classes.

Joyce is the instructor for the new Modern Line Dancing class at the Meridian Senior Center.

She says that it is a wonderful experience helping people and getting to know people.

There are many health benefits to line dancing. By working out the different movements, coordination can improve and lung capacity can increase.

But for Joyce, it"s all about making people feel better about themselves.

Joyce said, "They raise my spirits and I hope I can do the same for them. Because that's when people feel good. I see them walking in here so bashful and when they go out sometimes they're smiling and feel good about themselves."

You can join Joyce Neilson on Wednesday mornings at 11:30am for a drop-in fee of $7.


ORIGINAL STORY: OKEMOS - The Meridian Senior Center has added a new exercise class.