Seniors Enjoy a Performance by Local Hula Dancers

Residents of the Blossom Grove Alzheimer's Special Care Center received a special performance by Happy Ha'oli during their recent Hawaiian-themed lunch. Residents also received a lei as they took their seat and enjoyed a pull pork entree with a side of sweet potatoes and rice, adding to the Hawaiian theme. Residents were excited to watch the performance and enjoyed the Hawaiian-themed lunch. The Hawaiian dance group, led by Jen Stegall, performed a variety of dances, each with a different story during their hour long performance. Stegall took the opportunity to lead the Hawaiian dance group, which started three years, to share the "culture and beauty of the islands through dance." The group which is composed of members from the downtown Redlands senior center practices 2-8 hours a week and during the summer performs about 2-3 shows a week. "During the summer time we get pretty busy but it's fun," Stegall noted. She also added that she joined the group because she enjoyed "providing an opportunity for seniors to have exercise, fun, and fellowship and along the way learn about the Hawaiian culture." Stegall has a friend in Hawaii with whom she communicates with to help her understand the meanings behind the dances so that she is able to share it with her fellow group members and the audiences Happy Ha'oli performs for. Before every dance number in their performance, Stegall gave a small explanation as to how that particular dance came to be. Each dance was not very long but they were fun to watch and learn about. Members of the group have been dancing from as little as six months all the way up to a few years. The newest member of the group was Alfreda Williams, who after being with the group for about six months said, "my blood pressure was high but it went down significantly after I joined and I lost 35lbs!" She also added that she started the group using a walking cane and now doesn't require it much. Barbara Dixon, another member of Happy Ha'oli, has been part of the group since it started and says, "We have a good time together and Jen makes it fun."