After running five marathons, including the New York Marathon at the age of 62, John Brown’s knees gave out. Now, at 80, he dances.
Brown was a participant in Dance for Seasoned Citizens, a free class by Shands Arts in Medicine program.
Brown, a 1957 UF alumnus, said he read about the class in the Senior Times when the classes began in January, and he has attended since.
The class is taught by Rusti Brandman, who previously taught dance at UF and helped establish the dance major. Brandman described herself as being “old enough to teach this class,” but she wouldn’t describe herself as a senior.
“I don’t like being called a senior — I’ve graduated, thank you,” said Brandman, who graduated with a Ph.D. in dance from Florida State University in 1977.
She said the Shands Arts in Medicine program allows for patients in the hospital, families, friends and those in the Gainesville community to be creative through art classes, yoga or dance.
Misa Hoang, a third-year health education and behavior major, said working with Shands Arts in Medicine has given her a better view of the hospital job life. She’s seen that it’s not all doctors and nurses rushing to save lives.
Hoang, who has been assistant to Lauren Arce, a Shands Arts in Medicine coordinator, since the spring semester, said the dance class, along with many others offered, is a great way to have fun, meet people and dance for everyone.
“It’s a creative way to express themselves,” she said.
Brandman said she remembers a woman coming up to her after a class and telling her that “she appreciated the chance to laugh.” That thank you has stuck with her.
At the end of the day, Brandman said, the class is about making people feel relevant and giving them a sense of accomplishment while they may be in a difficult period.
Dance for Seasoned Citizens is taught every Tuesday afternoon at the Shands Cancer Hospital and is open to the public.
