If you walked into UF’s West African Dance and Music class on Monday and Wednesday evenings, you’d see just what you’d expect — a class full of college students.
And then there’s Howie.
Howard Reynolds, an 87-year-old Gainesville local, has been taking UF’s West African Dance and Music class for the past 15 years.
“People don’t expect to see an old guy in here,” Reynolds said. “But I have no intention of ever stopping.”
Reynolds moved from St. Simons Island, Ga., to Gainesville in 1992.
He then enrolled in non-credit acting and dancing courses at the university.
Reynolds has only had one steady job working as a marketing specialist, he has performed in many dancing and acting improvisations over the years.
“My steps are never planned. I just go where my body takes me,” Reynolds said. “I am completely fearless.”
He worked as the opportunities came along, including part-time jobs with radio and television production and writing off-Broadway plays. His income was sporadic, but he always got by.
“I wasn’t interested in going to work every day,” Reynolds said.
He has recited monologues, performed expressive dances influenced by Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry and has been involved in UF dance and acting productions.
“He’s been coming since I’ve been teaching, and his efforts always put me in a good mood,” said Mohamed DaCosta, a professor of World Dance and Intercultural Performance and West African Dance and Music at UF.
UF sophomore Liz Stein saw Reynolds take center stage at the end of class when students danced individually in a circle.
“Howie took us all by surprise,” Stein said. “I was impressed because I’m nervous to go in the circle.”
While Reynolds is not married, does not have children and said he has never been interested in being part of a family, UF and its dance classes have given him a place to call his second home.
“I don’t come here for exercise,” Reynolds said. “I can do all the exercise I want at home. I come to interact. I come to allow my center to go out into the world.”
