DJ to Dancers for District 622 Community Education Adults With Disabilities Program

Instead of a deejay this year, adults with disabilities who take part in Community Education dance parties will have two experts on hand.

Tricia and James Wood, from Dance and Entertainment (formerly Tropical Ballroom), will be leading several events this year under the Community Bridge program.

Tricia Wood, who has conducted similar events for South Washington County Community Ed, said they’re typically “laid back, casual, fun” programs.

People will be able to sign up through the District 622 Community Education website or via the Community Bridge brochure when the courses become available this fall, said Cheryl Gysbers, Adult Programs and Community Gardens coordinator.

There will be themed parties, everything from sock hop to country and western, and caregivers can join in, as well. Events will be held at Woodbury Middle School and the Gladstone building in Maplewood.

Wood said those who attend such classes range from those in wheelchairs to individuals with Alzheimer’s, and many know each other through other Community Ed programs.

It’s mostly “freestyle dancing,” Wood said, and folks who partake usually have plenty of suggestions about the music, from songs from the movie Titanic to modern numbers.

“It’s just a dance party,” she said.

Expected dates for this year are:

• Oct. 25 – Halloween Dance (costume dance)
• Dec. 6 – December Snow Ball (semi-formal)
• March 14, 2014 – St Patrick’s Dance
• April 25, 2014 – Sock Hop
• June 6, 2014 - Beach Party