Weekly Newsletter:

August 12, 2026

If You Can Breathe, You CAN Dance!

After all, what is breathing?

Without thinking

In and out

All day and all night

 

  • Singing
  • Smelling
  • Speaking
  • Yodeling
  • Crying
  • Laughing

What is dancing?

  • Rhythmic
  • Physical movement
  • Play
  • Performance

Here’s a place to start:

Number 1: Breathe!

Well, that’s simple. You already were and are, all the time!

Number 2: Keep the beat!


Most children love to dance to music.




But many older folks think they can’t, or shouldn’t even try to, dance anymore.

An African proverb says:

"If you can walk, you can dance!

If you can talk, you can sing!"


Originating from cultures like the Shona in Zimbabwe, it highlights that you do not need to be a professional to participate in joy, rhythm, and community.

You CAN do it! If…

  1. You can hear and feel the beat.
  2. Can keep the beat. (Keep it anywhere, anyhow?)
  3. Breathe with the beat.

Then you’re dancing!


Listen to this and see what happens to you!

Now, check out these amazing older folks!


Kanu, 85 — Traditional Dancer from Kenya

Watch the video on Facebook

For the love of our beautiful African culture! This is Kanu, an 85-year-old traditional dancer from Kenya, leading her traditional dancing group.

Niang Soli, 106 — The Oldest Active Dancer in the World

Niang Soli, 106, is the oldest active dancer in the world. Her continued movement and energy are a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and a lifetime devoted to rhythm and culture.

Watch on X

George Hillman — Still Dancing in His 80s

George Hillman was one of the oldest dancers still dancing in the 80s, or as Lon Chaney would put it, a senior senior citizen. But that doesn’t stop

Watch the video on Facebook

Britain's Oldest Dancer — Still Jiving at 100

Watch on YouTube

Eileen Kramer: Movement at 108

Esteemed Australian dancer, centenarian, and all-around creative powerhouse Eileen Kramer, before she died at 110, said, “I can’t emphasize the importance of daily movement enough.” At 108, Ms. Kramer found no difficulty in exercising after almost a century of moving every day after committing to dance about 90 years ago. Not every older person may be able to commit their life to dance, but Ms. Kramer swore that simple and intentional movements can be done at least a few times a week to improve mobility and foster good health. “Movement is vitally important to everybody, but it’s true that older people should try to move all their lives,” she explained. “Breathing is also really important… Movement requires breathing, so you must do it consciously together. “Breathing encourages you to lift your arms and use your imagination—when you lift your arms you can pretend you’re touching space or leaning over the side of a boat and putting your hand in the water.”

Read more about Eileen Kramer

Why dancing has a deep meaning

Dancing has always been about storytelling and expression of emotions. Certain movements and sequences convey different meanings and stories. For instance, a slow interpretive dance might stir up heartfelt emotions while fast and wide movements signal energy and excitement. Dance is also a way of telling a group’s cultural history.

Dance often accompanies both traditional and modern ceremonies. In modern weddings it’s normal for couples and guests to dance. In some communities dance has become an integral part of their ceremonies and celebrations. There are still communities that do dance performances in preparation for planting and celebration of harvests. It’s a way to please the deities and perhaps also gain a higher level of confidence and certainty about the future of the crops.


In modern times, dancing has been a way to bring people together. Learners and professional performers make friends during practice and performance. Even non-dancers take part whenever there’s a party or upbeat music. It has always been a way to have fun and bond with other people.


In these times of uncertainty and rapid changes, we now seek a deeper meaning about life in general. Perhaps dance can be an instrument to touch our soul and touch on that deep meaning.

Come try: “GET YOUR ZOOM ON."

 GYZO is an online exercise class designed to keep you active and healthy from the comfort of your home. GYZO classes are led by Susan Musicant, DPT, certified geriatric specialist and experienced physical therapist


When: Two times a week

  • Every Monday from 12:30 - 1:30 PM (PDT)​
  • Every Thursday from 12:00 - 1:00 PM (PDT)

 

To join GYZO sessions, complete our Interest Form below:​​

— Susan Musicant, DPT

Injury Prevention Specialist at DayBreak

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If you know an elder in need of our care and coordination services, or a caregiver seeking support, please encourage them to reach out to us at: 

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