Kicking Cancer in Cullman 2024 raises funds for Bosom Buddies
CULLMAN, Ala. – From early morning to late afternoon on Oct. 26, the Donald E. Green Active Adult Center was filled with toe-tapping, hip-swinging seniors, eager to dance the day away at the Kicking Cancer in Cullman 2024 Line Dance Workshop and Social. The event drew dancers of all ages and skill levels from across Alabama in support of the Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting cancer patients in the Cullman area.
The workshop was led by four inspiring instructors, each a breast cancer survivor: Sherry Boatright, Jackie Tally, Helen Woods and Patra Bowman. Specializing in contemporary line dancing, which spans genres from country to pop with hits by artists like Ed Sheeran and Sabrina Carpenter, the instructors introduced participants to new moves and joined in on familiar dances and tunes, offering guidance whenever needed.
The music never took a break even when the dancers did. Song after song was announced, allowing attendees to pick and choose which ones to participate in. Often, just as dancers headed back to their seats, a familiar song would be called out, prompting them to dart right back to the dance floor.
When it was an instructor’s turn to teach a dance, the entire ensemble of attendees would move to the dance floor. Familiar steps, like the mambo step or the grapevine would be called out as the instructor demonstrated the next step in the dance. Just like that, the group would move as a unit, practicing the song before a final, fun run-through.
“Isn’t that beautiful? That many people out there learning that dance? To me, it’s just wonderful,” Boatright shared. “I tell them sometimes, ‘There is nothing prettier than to see a group this size all moving together.’ You look out there, and everyone is doing the same movement and dancing, yet they all still have their own individual style as well. It’s beautiful.”
While the main goal was to raise funds for Bosom Buddies, Boatright said she hoped the event captured the joy of line dancing and the community it fosters. The Active Adult Center offers line dancing classes for seniors 55-plus, from beginner to advanced, allowing dancers of all skill levels to connect and grow, not just as dancers, but as a community of people.
For Shirley Nelson, a longtime dancer, the impact has been life changing, “It’s my lifesaver,” Nelson said. “I take care of my husband right now, and I have been dancing with Sherry for 17 years now and I love it. It’s what has kept me mentally and physically fit and has allowed me to take care of my husband. I will be 90 in May.”
For dancer Rachel Mountz, line dancing has become one of the most cherished parts of her retirement. “When I retired it was one of the main things that I wanted to be able to get into. We line danced at church camp when I went in the summer as a teenager, and I loved it. And I never really got a chance to do it again for a long time.” Mountz shared. “As soon as I retired, I was asked to come line dance and I did. I loved it.”
Nelson, having seen the mental and physical wealth provided to her through dancing, encouraged others in the community to give line dancing a try, saying, “If you can’t do the dances right away, don’t worry about it. Eventually, you will get some; it just takes time and patience. Mentally, it helps you get out there around other people, talk to other people, and gives you relief from whatever is bothering you at that time, even if it may not be much, but it helps to be around other people.”
The total amount that was raised from the Kicking Cancer in Cullman 2024 fundraiser will be announced at a later date.
The Active Adult Center is located at 1625 Cleveland Ave. SW in Cullman. For more information on dance classes or other activities at the center, contact the center at 256-734-4803 or info@cullmanrecreation.org. For more information on the Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation, email CCBBFinc@gmail.com or visit www.cullmanbosombuddies.com.
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