The folks at Bonsor Recreation Complex are gearing up for a fun-filled summer of music and dancing for seniors. The centre's Summer Band Extravaganza starts this month, and there will be Tuesday-evening dances, with a different band each time.
"It's lively, that's for sure," said Bonsor's Michelle St. Jean. "Here at Bonsor, that's probably our number 1 things seniors like to do. We have lots of dancers. It's a night out. They come dressed up."
St. Jean says there are usually 100 to 120 people who show up, some from as far away as Richmond and Delta. The dances are on July 10, 17, 24, 31 and on Aug. 14 and 28, always from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. There's a half-hour break in the evening for snacks and refreshments, and there will be wine and beer for sale on July 10 and 31. St. Jean says volunteers from the Bonsor 55-Plus Society help with the dances.
St. Jean says the bands are all local and well known in the "55-plus world." They play a variety of music, jazz, polka and swing, for instance.
Any 55 or older is welcome to attend. The dances attract both couple and singles. Admission is $6, although people who have a City of Burnaby membership card can get in for $5. (The card is available by registering through Bonsor.)
"Even if you don't know how to dance, lots of people come for the music and to socialize," St. Jean says, adding it's good exercise and a chance to meet new people.
For more information, call the seniors' counter at Bonsor at 604-297-4580. The centre is at 6550 Bonsor Ave.
