Cindy's Silver Stompers

When Cindy’s weekly line dancing classes at Sowerby Bridge Leisure Centre came to a halt with the Covid pandemic, she didn’t know what the future held. But after lockdowns ended, she felt a strong drive to reignite her passion for dance and get the over-50s moving again. With determination, she launched her own independent line dancing classes, knowing there was still a demand from the community.

Cindy understood the incredible benefits of line dancing—especially for physical and mental health. It improves coordination, memory, and concentration while being a lot of fun. With this in mind, she wanted to make it affordable, offering classes at just £2 per person, to ensure as many people as possible could enjoy the joy of dancing.

In 2023, Cindy attended the Active Sowerby & Sowerby Bridge workshop, which gave her the spark to get her classes up and running again. With the Foundry Street Community Centre reopening, she teamed up with Emma from Active Calderdale to secure funding, and soon after, the classes were back!

It didn’t take long for the word to spread. Cindy’s classes were promoted through Social Prescribing Link Workers at local GP surgeries, the Memory Lane Dementia Café, and Healthy Minds projects. Today, her sessions are thriving with over 40 people registered, attracting a diverse mix of attendees, from those in their late 20s to dancers in their 80s and 90s. Despite various health challenges faced by some attendees, Cindy welcomes everyone with open arms. Participants with conditions like dementia, schizophrenia, alcoholism and Down syndrome have found a place on the dance floor.

Cindy’s own health struggles haven’t slowed her down either. After being diagnosed with several conditions, including gout, osteoarthritis and Freiberg’s Disease, dancing became painful. However, with the support of her friend Diane, who steps in to dance on Wednesdays, the classes keep going strong. Together, they’ve created a supportive and joyful environment that keeps people smiling and laughing. Throughout the 8 months the classes have been running they have received lots of positive testimonials from participants:

I have been going to Cindy's line dancing class since February. I thoroughly enjoy it, Cindy and Diane are excellent teachers. It's exercise and very good forco-ordination. I enjoy the music and all the ladies are very friendly. I always look forward to Wednesday morning. It's a perfect social occasion and the bonus isI burn 400 calories. It is so good for body and soul.

Julie - Line dancing attendee

I have been going to the Wednesday line dancing at Sowerby Bridge for 6 - 8 weeks. I love it, it's so joyful. The benefits are amazing. It helpswith mental stimulation, balance, and coordination, it's good exercise and best of all it is fun.

Karen - Line dancing attendee

It was my first time at line dancing this week and I really enjoyed it! It was great to find a fun activity that gets us older people moving. Not too much impact onmy ageing joints but plenty of exercise for my hips knees and back. I really had to concentrate hard to remember the sequence of moves in each dance, and I'm sure that will have done my brain good as well.

Cindy is an excellent teacher, and she used uplifting music. There was a lot of smiling and laughter! Just what you need when the news is full of doom andgloom.

Janet - Line dancing attendee

I'm a 70-year-old widowed pensioner, I live with my only son.I'm a recovering alcoholic and attend TBRP at Carlton St. The line dancing at Foundry St showed me there are other organisations and activities outside of TBRP, it is I hour of fun & exercise and meeting new people.

Andrew - Line dancing attendee

Cindy and Diane make our line dancing so much fun, they are great teachers and work together extremely well. Line dancing is good physical exercise and very importantly improves memory.

lf people live alone it is a very sociable event which is necessaryfor motivation and to know people care about them.

Angela - Line dancing attendee

Cindy’s Stompers have become more than just a class—they’re a community. The group has also danced in public events, including flash mobs, performances at care homes, and even the Piece Hall. For three years running, they’ve also brought their infectious energy to the Sowerby Bridge Great Get Together in Crow Wood Park.

The Wednesday class spurs Cindy on mid-week. —they’re a way to uplift her community and spread joy through movement. Whether you’re new to line dancing or a seasoned pro, Cindy’s Stompers is a place where everyone is welcome, and the music never stops!