“I thought he was very handsome and loved the way he was dancing,” Jeanette Pappalardo said.
The pair attended the Hawaiian dance on Thursday night to spend time with friends.
The dances, held every Thursday night at the center, have a different theme each month, said Joan Sandon, president of the Swinging Seniors, which hosts the event.
“About three years ago, we decided to change the themes because very few people were showing up,” Sandon said. “Sure enough, the first dance we had, 170 people came.”
Attendance was not an issue Thursday, as the dance floor was filled with tons of festively dressed seniors adorned in Hawaiian gowns, shirts and leis.
“I come out every week to celebrate and socialize with people,” said Frank Crew, 101. “I like the company.”
It was a special evening for another couple in the crowd — Evlyne and Jay Golan — who celebrated 47 years of marriage.
“We have been coming here for about three years,” Evlyne Golan said. “We love it. Everyone is so nice. It is wonderful to be able to share our anniversary with so many people here. It really makes it a nice event.”
The dance had a special performance by a group of Hawaiian dancers led by teacher Shari Ward.
Ward, 62, teaches two Hawaiian dance classes at the center on Thursday mornings and formed the performance clan, Na Kapuna O’ Joslyn, the seniors of Joslyn Adult Center.
“I love the way Hawaiian dancing feels; whenever I am upset or nervous, I do a hula and it calms me down . . . it is very spiritual,” said Ward, who wanted to learn the dance since seeing it on a National Geographic special at the age of 4.
Galina Vaisman, who has danced since the age of 6, said the center is the best place in town.
“I used to go dancing other places and they charged me $17; here it is only $2,” Vaisman said. “And I have never seen better dancing anywhere in the city.”
ALISON TULLY covers City Hall and public safety. She may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at alison.tully@ latimes.com.
