It's not uncommon to find competitions for Ras Garba — an Indian dance tradition — at colleges around the country.
But on Saturday, the ladies wearing traditional dress and performing in choreographed dances were much older than the usual participants.
Bruhud Seniors, a local senior group, organized a special dance night at the Hindu Community Center in Flushing to showcase 12 teams from centers around the city with many of the dancers competing in multiple performances.
India Home, which has senior centers around Queens, hosted the event and sponsored a team of dancers 65 and older, including some women in their 80s.
“Watching them dance, I feel that all India Home’s efforts to keep our seniors healthy and happy is truly worthwhile," said India Home's founder, Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi.
India Home member and 81-year-old dancer Ms. Kamuben told the organizers that dancing keeps her young — and from thinking about her age.
"Year comes and years go," she said. "Take rest and be happy.”