Their dance list contains roughly 130 routines. They’ve performed in State College, Centre Hall, Bellefonte, Boalsburg and Pleasant Gap. They’re the Silver Spurs, a line dance group based out of the Centre Region Senior Center, and they’ve been grooving for more than 25 years with no plans to slow down.
The history behind the boots
Roughly 25 seniors ages 55 and older practice choreographed line dances three times a week at the senior center on Fraser Street, and then take their skills to the stage, performing at various locations and events throughout the year, including Relay For Life, Elmcroft of State College, the People’s Choice Festival, and other senior centers and festivals in the region.
The Silver Spurs started in 1987 as a senior center program by Corrine Biletz. The group began performing in the community in 1990, according to Ginny Mulhatten, one of the group’s teachers. Other teachers include Cordy Swinton and music facilitator Jill Anderson.
Biletz, after 25 years of dedication to the group, is no longer able to lead the Silver Spurs, Mulhatten said, so a recognition lunch is being planned in her honor later this month. A special “Round Up,” scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 16 at the senior center, will acknowledge Biletz for her contributions. Current and former Silver Spur line dancers are invited to celebrate Biletz and all she has done for the group, Mulhatten said.
All Silver Spurs participants are senior center members, Mulhatten said, and while there are 20-some active members now, not all of them participate in the live performances.
Practice is from 10:50 to 11:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the senior center. Some group members dance three times a week and some attend practice once a week. The program is entirely voluntary, Mulhatten said.
The Silver Spurs, on average, give 20 one-hour public performances a year, Mulhatten said. However, since Biletz’s departure, the group is still in transition. The goal moving forward is to contact venues where the Silver Spurs have performed in the past, and schedule future performances on a regular basis, she said.
“That’s what we’re working on,” she said.
The tunes
Music on the Silver Spurs’ playlist includes Country Western, Caribbean, Irish, Spanish, Rock & Roll, Tango and other genres.
When performing, the group wears uniforms, and sometimes props are involved, she said, such as top hats and canes for “Old Bones” and boas for “Hello Dolly.”
The chorography for the dances comes from the web, or from other dancers who have learned a dance in another group and taught it to the Silver Spurs, Mulhatten said.
And other sources, she said, are sheer inspiration.
Benefits to being a Spur
Mulhatten said there are many benefits to seniors participating in line dancing, such as physical activity.
Dancing helps improve balance, coordination and stamina, she said, and also helps reduce stress.
“On the mental level it really does require attention skills,” she said. “You have to think.”
Other benefits of line dancing include enhancement of the cognitive functions of memory and concentration, and socialization, she said.
“Another positive aspect of line dancing is that partners are not required,” Mulhatten said. “Laughter is often the best medicine and learning to line dance generates lots and lots of laughter.”
Mulhatten, who has been involved with the Silver Spurs for about 12 years, said what she enjoys most about the program is meeting new people and the physical activity.
“The exercise is wonderful,” she said. “Line dancing has held my interest. It has holding power.”
Mulhatten said while it is recommended that participants get their physician’s permission before dancing, the group does accommodate some medical and physical impairments, such as arthritis and hip replacements.
“People need to be aware of their own physical capacities and use their best judgment,” she said.
Reservations for the Aug. 16 “Round Up” in honor of Biletz are due Aug. 12. Parking coupons are available and van transportation can be arranged for those who need a ride downtown. Lunch will be $1.25 per person. For more information or to RSVP call (814) 231-3076.
The Centre Region Senior Center is located at 131 S. Fraser St. in downtown State College. For more information visit www.crpr.org.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Round Up” luncheon of all current and former Silver Spur line dancers in celebration of Silver Spurs founder Corrine Biletz
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 16. Reservations requested by Aug. 12.
WHERE: Centre Region Senior Center, 131 S. Fraser St. in State College
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call (814) 231-3076
