Older Chicagoans donned their holiday best and dancing shoes downtown Tuesday.
The Department of Family and Support Services held its annual Holiday Line Dance Party, bringing a live band, lunch, and, of course, dancing to the Chicago Cultural Center.
"With line dancing, you have to remember the steps and you learn new steps. It supports cognitive development," said Margaret Laraviere, DFSS Deputy Commissioner of the Senior Division.
"When we party, we party with a purpose, and line dancing fits that purpose perfectly."
Dancers filled the center's Grand Army of the Republic Hall to kick-ball-change and strut on the dance floor.
"First, I'm getting my steps in," Valerie Davis told us after a dance. "But second, line dancing is such a great opportunity for everyone to come together - All ages, all races, all nationalities - and have a great time as we dance across the floor."
The line dances were taught by instructors like Dr. Loretta Martin, who has over two-decades of experience under her belt.
"Line dancing just simply keeps you healthy, I am a living example," Dr. Martin said.
While the holidays can be a happy time, Laraviere says for seniors, they can also be lonely. But, she says events like these help.
"This is about socialization, connection and just feeling the warmth of the holiday season," Laraviere said.