About fifty ballroom dancing students who waltzed and cha-cha-ed their way to health and fellowship this winter put on an exhibition as part of their graduation Sunday at Mount Olive Lutheran Church.

Jillian Danielson Photo/Special to the News-Herald Rebecca Dewey, left, and Cameron Dukes dance Sunday at Mt. Olive Luthern Church.

Dr. William McFadden, who taught the 12-week class with his wife Orline, was overwhelmed by the response to the program, which was meant to give people a wholesome alternative for social interaction.

"This fills a need for people want to dance but don't want to go to local bars," said McFadden, a retired veterinarian and long-time professional ballroom dancer.

The course included 10 lessons that covered the major ballroom dance steps, including the fox trot, the waltz, the cha-cha and swing dancing. But just as important as the moves were the social and spiritual aspects of dancing, McFadden said.

"We're using ballroom dancing as one of the parts of our openness to people, as a means to share with others and to serve the Lord," he said.

McFadden said the classes included about a dozen young people, and he expected more to join in when the program is offered again in the fall. Dancing, he said, increases their confidence and self-esteem.

"The youth learn transferable skills (from dancing), like poise, good manners and civility — in a not so civil world," he said.

With the success of the classes, the McFaddens plan to hold regular "Christian social dancing" gatherings this summer in the church's fellowship hall.

"We feel that in bringing people together in this way, we have an opportunity for a healthful fellowship activity," he said.

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