By Anne Das
For many seniors, the quietest moments of the week are not the nights, but the mornings. When routines become smaller and families live further away, staying socially connected becomes more important than ever. This is where community groups like the SMC Line Dancing Group at St Michael’s Church, Ipoh, play a meaningful role.
Every Wednesday morning from 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m., Peter Pang Hall at St Michael’s Church (SMC) fills with music and movement. The SMC Line Dancing Group gathers for a weekly session that combines gentle exercise with social interaction, offering seniors a regular routine that keeps them active and engaged.
The SMC Line Dancing Group began in the late 1990s and continues to meet weekly. Sessions are led by Maria Lee Kah Eng, with members also taking turns to introduce new dances. Around 15 to 20 participants attend regularly.
Recently, the group marked the festive season with a Christmas Line Dance gathering. Members came dressed in red and green, bringing a cheerful touch to the hall. The session featured Christmas-themed dances alongside familiar line dance routines, creating a lively and festive mood throughout the morning.
After the dance session, members gathered for a seafood lunch in Ipoh Garden. The meal allowed everyone to sit down, catch up, and enjoy time together beyond the dance floor, rounding off the gathering in good spirits.
Beyond weekly sessions, the SMC Line Dancing Group also stays active within the wider line dancing community. Members have participated in events such as the Ipoh Challengers’ Line Dance Party 2025, which drew dancers from various states, and have also joined activities with the OMPH dancing group.
Line dancing supports balance, coordination, and memory, while the regular group setting encourages seniors to stay active and socially connected. The SMC Line Dancing Group operates under the St Michael’s Church Evergreens and is open to all, regardless of gender, creed, or race.
New participants may register under the Evergreens with a yearly subscription of RM12. Weekly sessions are free for registered members.
For enquiries or registration, contact Camelia Gomes at 012 578 2674.
