New Dancercize Classes for Ladies in Wesson

Several Wesson women recently started dancercize classes in town. 

Dancercize is where dance meets exercise for fun, calorie-burning, cardio. The class is offered every Tuesday evening for ladies only. 

Attendees can attend the 6 pm or 7 pm class - or both if they want the extra exercise. Women of all ages are participating. 

These classes are led by Marsha Raiford, Taylor Burke and Jessica Breazeale - all of Wesson and former Nena Smith teachers.  

Front L- Taylor Burke, Jennifer Crapos.Ashlyn Banes, Marsha Raiford, Jessica Breazeale; Middle row L- Tammy Newman, Whitney Reynolds, KC Hutcherson, Josie Breakfield, RuthAnn Breakfield, Christy Shaw; Back row L- Carrie Smith, Melanie Huber, Heather Smith, Mandy Case, Robyn Breakfield

“Dance, it’s cheaper than therapy!” said Marsha Raiford, the one spearheading the efforts.

The idea was birthed during the Nena Smith surprise 50th anniversary celebration where former dancers and loved ones mentioned the desire and need for adult dance classes but less technical and more fun and exercise.

Participants do not have to have any experience in dance or even be good at it. The classes are for fun, fellowship & exercise. 

“The idea really came when we were getting the alumni dance together for Miss Nena. I realized how much joy dance brought me. Taylor and I were saying to each other how much we missed it and enjoyed making up the routines. Hearing others ask for us to start an adult dance class got me to thinking, why not?” said Raiford. “And at the Wesson Chamber Banquet, I heard Mayor Alton Shaw mention that his wife, Christy had a room for rent, I lit up inside and thought, ‘I’ll have to talk to her about this to see if we could do an adult dance class there,’” explained Raiford.

The class is $5 which pays for the room rental fees. Classes are held at The Event Room on Spring Street - yes, that’s the name of the venue - (located at 1014 Spring Street beside Wesson’s public library). 

“I’m so excited about the opportunity to fellowship with some wonderful ladies, get a little exercise, and get back to dancing!” said Burke, another one of the dancercize instructors.

Attendees from a recent class

Women are invited and encouraged to attend. There is no commitment to join or attend regularly. Simply attend when available. 

“YOU DON'T STOP DANCING BECAUSE YOU GROW OLD YOU GROW OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP DANCING, “ said Raiford.