Learn different styles of Latin dance at Dancing for Wellness at the Guernsey Memorial Library. The next free class will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. (Sun file photo)

NORWICH — Join local dancer Martha Ryan for the free program Dancing for Wellness at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 in the Guernsey Memorial Library Meeting Room, located at 3 Court Street in Norwich.

Classes are held twice a month, usually on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, from 6 to 7 p.m. Each month, Ryan will teach attendees about the origins of a different type of Latin dance and teach them a variety of steps in that dancing style.

"Every month we pick one dance and they talk about the origin of the dance, some of the stories of how the dance started, and then we practice some steps, and we add them to the group of steps and dances we do every month," she explained. "Most of them are Latin dances. They get an idea of the cultural part of it and then we learn the steps. Very simple steps, we don’t do any acrobatics."

The free classes are suitable for beginners and adults of all ages, and they're welcome to attend as many or as few classes as they'd like. Ryan said the only requirement is that individuals wear closed-toe shoes or slippers; no sneakers or sandals.

"My number one requirement is that people need to wear the right kind of shoes, which means they have to wear closed shoes," said Ryan. "So they can’t come with sandals, and most of the time I don’t even want sneakers. If they come with wet sneakers from the street, they can fall down or they can hurt themselves."

Additionally, she recommends attendees wear comfortable clothing, such as clothes they would wear to the gym, and bring a bottle of water.

Dancing for Wellness is a solo dancing experience, meaning there will be no partnering of attendees. Ryan said she also aims to keep the sessions fun and low-pressure, so participants can enjoy themselves while learning about new cultures and staying active.

"We laugh a lot. I think we laugh just as much as we dance, because we keep it very light, very humorous," said Ryan. "If you like dancing, all you need is just the desire to enjoy music. Music is so therapeutic, and Latin dance is so jumpy and happy. I think we come with the weight of the world on our shoulders, and we walk out light like a feather."

She said engaging in dance not only has physical benefits, but can boost mental ability as well.

"It’s a low-impact kind of movement. It helps the memory, you’re counting steps, and you’re trying to keep up with a routine," Ryan explained. "But it’s also the music, and the movements of it are mostly as you would do kind of a standing yoga, because you’re moving your arms, stretching down, and your core is getting stronger."

Ryan said she is grateful to the Guernsey Memorial Library Board of Directors for opening their doors to this program and providing a space to offer the classes.

"We are incredibly grateful for the gift from the Board of Directors at the library who have given us this new home. Our heart is really filled with gratitude," she said. "The doors are open. You can come anytime and enjoy it."

For more information on the Guernsey Memorial Library and their programs, visit GuernseyMemorialLibrary.org or the Guernsey Memorial Library Facebook page.