DURHAM, N.C. — Being active and moving our bodies really makes a difference in how we feel, and one 70-year-old Durham choreographer says movement can be fun and enjoyable. She offers African dance classes to seniors for free.
Experts say movement is one of the most important things we can do for our health.
Donna Graham has traveled the world teaching folks young and old the rhythms of African dance and drums.
We first met Graham at a Kwanza event in January leading the drum and dance celebration. She credits African dance master Baba Chuck Davis of Durham with fueling her passion to spread the spirituality and joy of the art form.
"I knew I could teach children to drum so I figured I could teach adults as well," Graham said.
She now shares her love of African Dance every Thursday morning at the Durham Center for Senior Life. But it's no walk in the park. Even in retirement, Graham keeps these seniors moving and grooving mentally and physically for a healthier life.
"A lot of it is spiritual, for many of us, culturally speaking for many of us. And then we have the health benefits,” Graham added.
These classes are designed to get seniors moving and dancing to the beat of the drum. But Graham says it's a chance for her to share her culture.
"In order to really know where you come from, it's really best to know your history. It's kind of like a tree trying to grow without roots. You need a firm foundation, and build on it,” Graham said while teaching an advanced class.
"We perform for Black history here, we perform for Kwanza here. It reaches a lot of different people here at the center, it makes it comfortable for everyone to be a part of,” said Regina White Brewer, a student of the class.
The classes have become so popular, Graham added an additional free low-impact class at the Durham Center for Senior Life for those new to the art form. It’s a movement through movement that continues to grow in size each week, and one Graham credits with saving her life.
In 2022, Graham almost died after she suffered a cerebral posterior aneurysm, causing her brain to bleed.
"They couldn't remove it all because it was heart-shaped and there's a titanium clip," Graham said.
At times, she thought she might not make it. But Graham pushed on, fighting to get back in the classroom even earlier than doctors expected. She credits her miraculous story of survival to her mental and physical fitness, grounded in African dance.
"Because after an 8-hour brain surgery I feel like I'm still here because of this place," Graham said while looking around the Durham Center for Senior Life.
It's a place that keeps her moving and sharing her passion in life while helping others along the way. Her passion for teaching and dance is only outshined by her passion for life.