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Read the press release here.

Seniors Show Off Dance Moves at Uptown Talent Show

INWOOD — Dancers, singers and magicians ranging in age from their late 60s to their 90s showed off their skills at the Allen Hospital during its third-annual talent show Monday.

The event, held in recognition of Older Americans Month, brought together dozens of performers from the hospital's Health Outreach program, said Kevin Curtin VP of Operation for the Allen Hospital.

Health Outreach, a free program sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian, provides seniors in the Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and Riverdale areas with approximately 15 workshops in Zumba, yoga, belly dancing, knitting and ballroom dancing, said Kevin Curtin, the hospital's vice president of operations.

“This is always a great event,” he told the audience, prior to his own country music performance. “We never realize how talented this neighborhood is.”

Participant Cecilia Drummond, 71 — who said she’s studying for her notary exam, in addition to running a jewelry design business and pension company — said this is the third time she's performed at the talent show.

“I sang a few times before,” Drummond said, after her aerobic-dancing routine done to “Bad Luck” and “I Don’t Love You Anymore.

“We can still do it. Don’t make yourself older than what you are,” she told the audience. “Stay active and be positive. That’s my motto.”

Belly dancing instructor Noora Eshams agreed, saying the program not only keeps seniors active, but helps bring them together. Eshams said anywhere from about five to 20 seniors attend her program at the Allen Hospital each week. 

“[The dancing] is good for their arthritis, memory or any part of their body," she said. "They have to memorize the choreography and move every part of their body."

Curtin said the Health Outreach program is currently working with local organizations and artists to create a music chamber, jazz orchestra and also bring in more art to decorate hospital walls.