“You should be dancing,” the Bee Gees sang in 1976. Turns out, they were right. Beyond the disco lights, dancing is a proven way to boost balance, coordination, mobility and strength—not to mention memory, mood and social well-being.

Nobody knows this better than the members of Maxi’s Dance Group, who meet every Thursday at the Eagles Club for a night of music, movement and socialization.

Many have been dancing together since the group’s early days at the Red Lion Hotel, before it closed in 2014. Some still hit the floor well into their 90s.

“At least five couples met through the group, married and are still together to this day,” said Nancy Norvell, 77, a longtime member who jokingly refers to herself as the group’s “mayor.”

A Colorado Springs native, Norvell has been with the club since 1989 and now helps coordinate with the Eagles Club to keep things running smoothly.

What keeps her—and so many others—coming back? The friendships. The fun. The feeling of belonging.

“We have military folks who leave town and come back,” she said. “We don’t allow fighting, and everyone watches out for each other.” 

The group also celebrates together, throwing a monthly birthday bash complete with snacks and a decadent mousse cake. 

THE RIGHT KIND OF MUSIC

No dance night is complete without the right music—and Maxi’s has one of the best DJs. Felix Roldan, better known as “Lone Wolf,” has been spinning tunes for the group since the Red Lion days.

“He’s a one-man entertainer who has a real talent for reading people and playing the kind of music they want,” Norvell added. 

While the group began with oldies, the playlist now includes everything from Latin to country—always geared to a 40+ crowd, and always danceable.

Got two left feet?

Maxi’s Dance Group has you covered. Each Thursday kicks off with a free 30-minute lesson led by professional ballroom dancer David Aanestad, who tailors the instruction to what attendees want to learn—be it swing, salsa or the foxtrot. 

Whether you’re looking for exercise, friendship or just a fun night out, Maxi’s Dance Group offers all three.

“And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance,” crooned country singer Lee Ann Womack.

Maxi’s Dance Group hopes you’ll dance, too. 

“Here, we develop friendships that last a lifetime,” Norvell said.

JOIN THE FUN

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