HANNIBAL, MO. -- For 38 years, senior citizens have been waltzing, two-stepping and fox-trotting their way along the dance floor at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.
Rose Kurfman has filled her dance card here for three decades. Rose was a widow and the dances became the social center of her life.
“The dances fill a big void in your life,” Rose said. “You get to be with people who know what you're going through because they've been there too.”
Nine years ago, Rose met Paul at one of the senior dances. The romance led to a walk down the aisle and the two are still dancing today.
About 35-50 people attend the weekly dances, which feature the music of the Uptown Strings. They take place every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m., rain or shine, in sickness and in health. This week, the dance sessions celebrated its 38th anniversary.
Rose has health problems that make it hard to get around, but Paul makes sure he takes her on their Wednesday dance date at the old armory every week. Rose signs in visitors at the door, while Paul helps with the weekly carry-in dinner everyone shares.
"You start friendships here that last for years,” Rose said. “A lot of people have met here and ended up with a good life.”
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