Building Community Through Dance

Pam Smart began her journey with the YMCA of Greater Nashua as a volunteer after retiring. Before long, she started participating in group exercise classes and earned her Group Exercise Instructor Certification through the Y. She began subbing for other instructors when needed and quickly discovered how much she enjoyed teaching others.

A long-time lover of dance, Pam rekindled her interest in line dancing—something she first explored about 25 years ago—by joining a line dance class at the Y. She has now been consistently instructing the Beyond Beginner Line Dancing class in Merrimack for most of the year. It’s a role she’s passionate about and one she finds deeply rewarding.

“I don’t just teach dance—I want them to get exercise too,” Pam shared.

Her class typically draws 7 to 10 regular participants. Many of them connect outside of class as well, often attending community line dances and other social events together. “The students seem to love the music and the classes. They continue to show up every week, so I take that as a compliment,” Pam said.

Pam clearly has a positive impact on her students, helping to foster a tight-knit community. The experience has been just as meaningful for her. Reflecting on her time at the Y, she said, “I love the Y. The facilities are beautiful, and the people are so nice. I feel comfortable and as if I have a home here.”

With your Y CARES donation, you can help create more opportunities for people to connect, grow, and find a sense of belonging through programs like line dancing. Join us in building a stronger, more connected community. Help us keep the beat going. Give today and make an impact.