ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - You don’t have to be a candidate for “Dancing with the Stars” to enjoy dancing at the Elk Grove Senior Center. No competition. Couples and singles are welcome. Are you 50 years old or better? You qualify. There is ample parking and no meters to feed. 

You will benefit from a workout that doesn’t feel regimented. This is not a dance instruction class. You can do your funky version of the twist, attempt the polka or get down to rock ’n’ roll. 

The large dance floor allows Georgia McGreal to twirl around to a waltz with her partner without bumping into other dancers. 

Former Sacramento Dance Club members Ernie and Esperanza Fernandez keep up with the lively beat of Latin dances.

Years ago, Doug and Nancy Dade met on the dance floor at a San Francisco club. They just keep on dancing!

The individuals taking advantage of this fun activity come from diverse backgrounds. 

“I used to do social dancing with my brother in Vietnam. Now, I enjoy it here in Elk Grove,” said Truc Bui.

Cheryl Siu from Hong Kong said she was “too busy” with her video business to have time for dancing. 

“But two years ago, I began dancing at the Hart Center in Sacramento. I love the social aspect too, making new friends,” Siu said.

Dale Esperante, the DJ who plays a wide variety of music, began dancing 10 years ago. 

 “I always wanted to dance but I had an embarrassing problem: hyperhidrosis. In layperson’s speak, excessively sweaty hands,” Esperante said.

Esperante had an operation to cure his malady but then his wife, Melita, didn’t know how to dance. Melita admitted she had a tough time taking instructions from her husband. So they called in a neutral dance instructor to teach her. 

“Part dance instructor, part marriage counselor,” Esperante said, as they laughed together. 

Evidently, it worked out well. The Esperantes will soon celebrate their 40th anniversary.

You can get in on the fun for a minimal cost: $2 for each weekly session. The yearly membership fee of $50 covers the dances at the Elk Grove Senior Center and many other activities: exercise; art and craft classes; a writer’s and book review group; support groups; games such as Scrabble, Pinochle, Bridge, and Mahjong; and Spanish and Sign Language instruction. For a complete list of classes offered, go to https://thesceg.com

Put on your dancing shoes and join others from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elk Grove Senior Center, 8230 Civic Center Drive, #140, Elk Grove.