The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES — The Music in Motion dance group likes to mix things up.

During a practice session Wednesday morning at Canal Street Recreation Center, the group danced to “Blue Moon,” which incorporates ballet and tap moves, backed by a fast doo-wop version, a Rod Stewart ballad, and a medium-tempo jazz bit.

“We wanted to be in a group that was willing to try new stuff, maybe get a little funky,” said Dianne Bolton, a Village of Sabal Chase resident. “It also should be fun.”

Jeanne Krebs and Bolton created the group in September, gathering about 16 dancers. As for what dance styles the group uses, “we like them all,” Bolton said.

“If it’s a traditional dance, we’ll put it with a hard rock song,” Bolton said.

Krebs and Bolton feel that their different styles complement each other.

“She’s someone who’s had professional training,” Bolton said, “and I’m someone who dances my heart out.”

The dancers have performed for several local clubs, and in the coming months they will lend their skills to “Villagers Tribute to the Songs of Richard Rodgers” and “Ab-Salute-Ly American.” Music in Motion also is working on its own show for May 2008 that will include singing as well as dancing.

“It’s going to be lots of fun,” Bolton said.

Casey Hargreaves, who lives in the Village of Bonnybrook, has been with Music in Motion since its inception. She had worked with Bolton and Krebs in Theatrical Variations in Dance for a couple of years.

“I love to dance,” Hargreaves said. “(Dancing) invigorates me, makes me feel good. Just lots of fun. It’s a great group of girls we have here. Everybody is so supportive of everyone else.”

Bolton enjoyed dancing at clubs for many years, but it wasn’t until arriving in The Villages that she dove in.

“It was the place to realize my passion,” Bolton said. “I started out belly dancing and went from there. I enjoy expressing myself through movement.”

Meanwhile, Krebs started dancing when she was a girl and kept her feet moving throughout her life.

“My friends were going to dance class, and I thought it was something that looked like fun,” said Krebs, who lives in the Village of Virginia Trace. “I always found (dancing) easy. It’s just a way to forget about everything else.”

Michael Fortuna is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9234, or michael.fortuna@thevillagesmedia.com.