This is to inform the Gympie community of a sad, almost hidden tragedy that is occurring in our region.
It is the steady, but alarming, decline in the number of social dancers at Long Flat on Saturday nights.
Dancing has been a long tradition in Australia as a popular form of entertainment and social engagement.
Many adults happily remember being taken to the local dance by their parents, sliding on the floor between dances, and later doing a few fun dances like the Gypsy Tap.
Yes, it’s still on the program!
And no doubt there are many middle-aged folk who danced in their younger years but stopped when they had family responsibilities and haven’t thought of going back, or just haven’t got round to it.
I assure you there is no better time than the present to take that first step back onto the dance floor at Long Flat.
I can guarantee you a warm welcome among friendly people who will be very willing to help with your dancing come-back.
There may even be some young people who would like to participate in a wonderful Australian pastime before it becomes a memory.
And the good news for male dancers, you are always in short supply.
You don’t have to be a Fred Astaire, but it helps to be sober.
Apart from the pleasure and social interaction that it offers, social dancing is a medically recommended antidote to depression, and especially those afflictions all too common in our aging population- alzheimers and dementia.
So, apart from the immediate satisfaction and pleasure it affords, dancing represents a long-term investment in your mental health and, of course, your mobility.
At $10 for four hours of absolute enjoyment and self-nourishment, there is nothing to rival the Saturday night dance at Long Flat.
I hope to see you there in big numbers in 2025 and promise that the experience will bring you much happiness.
– Merv Welch
The Palms
