The Villages - May 2008 - (Page 36)
Sports & Recreation Aquatic Dancers dancing in BY MARIANNE LOBAUGH The Aquatic Dancers from left: Bobby Olson, Marti Frain, Joyce Hutchinson, Glenda Conway, Linda Salk, Gigi Hubbard, Bonnie Mooney, Marilyn Killian, Linda Pollackov, Barb Brecht, Trish Gutchess, Donna Gustaitis, Carol Sexauer, Barb Montoya and Janell Couturier It isn’t as easy as it looks, but it is a great time if you love water. The group began in The Villages in 1989 as the Aqua Dores and became the Aquatic Dancers in 2004, according to current group leaders Donna Gustaitis, a resident of the Village of Polo Ridge, and Trish Gutchess of the Village of Santo Domingo. Donna relies on her dancing background and her lengthy aquatic dancing experience as tools for leadership. “When I was 18, I had a crush on a lifeguard. His mother saw me swimming and said, ‘Who is that girl with the beautiful backstroke? You should be an aquatic dancer,’” Donna said. Donna said that even though the crush never went anywhere, she took the suggestion seriously and joined a group to learn. After three years of learning the ropes, she enjoyed it enough to go further. “I joined a professional group and we toured Australia,” Donna said. Trish’s love of water drew her to the sport. MAY 2008 “I grew up by a lake and I am a life-long swimmer,” said Trish. Currently the group has 18 members, and more are welcome. Donna and Trish are always looking for ladies who are experienced swimmers, can float and are able to learn the dance routines used in shows. The group practices Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at Laurel Manor Recreation Center Pool. Additional practices are scheduled closer to the annual performance. For those looking to improve their skills or try this out as a beginner, the women recommend Bev S. Floating Patterns on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 36
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - May 2008
The Villages - May 2008
Contents
Watch Stars Under the Stars
Latin Dancing Makes for Fun Fitness
Villagers Become Dragons
Eyes on the Prize
Making Graceful Moves in the Water
Students Create Culinary Ecstasy in Pizzas
Summer Plants and Flowers
Brain Exercises
Shopping & Dining Guide
Retail Briefs
Entertainment Briefs
Major Events
Snapshots
The Villages - May 2008
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol6
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol5
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol4
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/DreamALittleDream-RRO
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol3
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol2
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com