Center Without Walls Helps Seniors Get Moving

Older residents in the Burke and West Springfield-area are finding new ways to get moving and stay active while remaining in the community thanks to a variety of dance classes and other activities through the Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls (CWOW).

CWOW is a public-private partnership between the Fairfax County government and the residents and community-based organizations and businesses in Burke, West Springfield and Fairfax.

The goal behind CWOW is to give senior residents age 50 and up an opportunity to stay active.

The program, which was endorsed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is coordinated through the David R. Pinn Community Center.

“It’s just a great way to exercise, to meet new friends to have fun, to laugh, and do something good for your body at the same time,” said Jackie Schroeder, an instructor with CWOW. “It’s also a great way to get your mind remembering things. When you start taking classes and have to repeat the steps to a dance, it’s a real plus for seniors.”

Watch the video above to listen to learn more about CWOW from Jackie Schroeder and watch some of the seniors during a class.

Schroeder became involved with CWOW after she came across a line dancing class in 2011. Now, she serves as an instructor for CWOW. 

Dance classes at CWOW are open to all senior residents, including those with disabilities, and cost $5 for an eight-week class. The classes are held in churches such as Burke United Methodist Church and Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, as well as schools and other community buildings.

“It’s called ‘without walls’ because we do not actually have one building where we can go and do these activities, but we are blessed by areas that will allow us to have classes in their buildings,” said Schroeder.

Registration for the fall season of CWOW classes starts on Oct. 8 at Braddock Hall, located at 9002 Burke Lake Road., according to the CWOW website.

To learn more about the Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls, visit www.scwow.org or email burkewestspringfieldcwow@fairfaxcounty.gov.