"As the leader of Dancin’B Fit, I couldn’t be prouder of our group and the joy we get to share through dance. Recently, we brought a little island spirit to the Grand Strand, learning graceful Hula steps and preparing for a show-stopping performance that had us moving, swaying, and smiling the entire time. Performing for the residents at Watercrest Myrtle Beach was an incredibly rewarding experience. Their smiles, applause, and energy reminded me why I started this group—to bring happiness, connection, and a sense of fun to everyone we meet. Dance is more than steps; it’s a way to share joy, and seeing it multiply in the faces of our audience is truly unforgettable. Every rehearsal, every performance, and every laugh with this amazing group reminds me why I love what I do."

For Chel, every performance is memorable, whether leading a Dancin’B Fit class or performing on stage—it’s all about movement, connection, and joy. She’s proud of her group’s dedication, reminding them that dancing from the heart matters more than perfection. Chel hopes audiences feel their energy, joy, and fun, inspiring them to move along. Beyond performances, the group shares their talents with senior communities, bringing smiles and happiness to those who need it most. Her message is clear: Dancin’B Fit is more than exercise—it’s about building strength, confidence, and connection while celebrating the pure joy of dance.

For Luciene, dance is all about joy, energy, and connection. Before each performance, her group gathers to encourage one another with a cheerful “we got this.” She loves the humor Joanne brings and the motivation Chel provides, and she still laughs about the time she accidentally wore the wrong-colored outfit on stage. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Luciene’s proudest moments come when the team rises to challenges—like learning a new routine on short notice. Her dream stage is Rio de Janeiro, and she’s especially excited about performing Thriller. Her message? Dance is happiness—so just dance!

Susy discovered her love of dance soon after moving to Del Webb, joining Chel and the “lovelies” for performances that bring joy to the community. One of her favorite memories is dancing Thriller at Nance Park for Halloween, where the group leads the way and the crowd can’t help but join in—it’s pure magic. Susy’s proudest moment came at Portside at Grande Dunes, where their energetic lineup ended with senior residents filling the dance floor for an unforgettable afternoon. She jokes that while she doesn’t golf or play pickleball, she can grapevine like no tomorrow!

For Sheikhee, even small rituals—like practicing smiles in the bathroom—set the tone before a performance. Joanne keeps everyone laughing as the group’s comedian, and quick checks on hairpieces mid-dance often spark funny moments on stage. Inspired by Broadway performers, Sheikhee takes pride in working together as one team and hopes audiences feel positivity, love, happiness, and motivation during every show. If they could perform anywhere, Broadway in New York would be the dream stage. With each new dance, their excitement grows, and their message to all is simple: “Get up and dance! Be happy!”

For Mary, dance is both passion and community. After every performance, the group celebrates with dinner, reflecting on the joy they’ve shared on stage. She credits Chel Aguinaldo, their instructor, as the group’s biggest motivator, whose energy inspires them to take risks and embrace every step. Memorable highlights include performing Thriller at Nance Plaza’s Halloween Bash and appearing on WMBF’s Grand Strand Today. Inspired by the diversity of music, Mary hopes audiences feel joy and possibility when they watch. Her message: dance builds strength, connection, and confidence—proof that if they can do it, so can you!

Toni is the newest member of the Dancin’B Fit group, bringing her decade of Zumba teaching experience to every performance. After moving to Grande Dunes, she was thrilled to discover Chel’s energetic and fun-filled dance fitness classes, which led her to join this amazing group of women. Having experienced personal loss this spring, Toni was drawn to the group’s mission of bringing joy to senior communities. She hopes every performance sparks happiness and nostalgia for the audience. Toni’s message to readers: this is a group of women who love, laugh, and dance, sharing joy with others and themselves.

For Beth, dance is pure joy. Before performances, she often dances around her house, singing along to the songs she’ll perform to. She credits Chel, their inspiring instructor, as the group’s biggest motivator—though the laughter and energy from her fellow dancers keeps everyone uplifted. Some of her favorite memories include performing at the Ocean Club and the Grande Dunes Talent Show. Inspired by the music of the 1980s, Beth hopes audiences feel happiness and the urge to join in when they watch. Looking ahead, she dreams of performing in Hawaii and around Myrtle Beach, creating smiles everywhere she dances.

For Leilani, dancing is about confidence, laughter, and joy. She credits Chel as both a motivating instructor and a dear friend, often reminding the group: “If you make a mistake, who cares, keep going! They won’t know.” Leilani draws inspiration from Kevin James’ character in Hitch—his unshakable confidence reminds her that dance is simply self-expression. On stage, her hope is simple: if the audience loves their performance, they’ll clap with gusto; if not, at least they’ll leave laughing. Her message to all is heartfelt: “Groove like no one’s watching—and if someone is, smile wider!”

Linda has been with the dance group since the very beginning, and she says it has truly changed her life. What started as dancing quickly became so much more—a sisterhood filled with laughter, support, and shared joy. She credits Chel, the group’s leader, as the glue that holds everyone together, creating a space where friendships feel lifelong. “We dance, but it’s much more than that,” Linda shares. From outings to everyday moments of laughter, the bond runs deep. For Linda, being part of this amazing group is not just about movement—it’s about love, connection, and community.

Just two years ago, Jennifer had never danced before. Now, as part of Chel Aquinaldo’s Dancin’B Fit group, she lights up the floor with joy that’s simply contagious. One of her favorite memories was performing All That Jazz at the Grande Dunes talent show, when the crowd erupted in applause—an unforgettable “I can’t believe I’m doing this” moment. Jennifer credits Chel’s encouragement for helping her step out of her comfort zone and discover her confidence. For her, dance is about connection and happiness. Her message: “It’s never too late to try something new—if I can do it, so can you.”

Martha has been dancing and performing in community theater since the age of five, when she declared at a recital, “That’s what I want to do!” Though she loves all dance styles, tap, modern, and jazz are her favorites. She especially enjoys sharing programs with local senior living facilities, where residents’ faces light up at familiar tunes. This summer, she tackled the Hula with the Dancin’b Fit group, celebrating the joy of mastering its challenging movements. Martha cherishes the friendships, trust, and teamwork that come from rehearsal and performance—and is grateful to spend her retirement doing what she loves most: dance!

Joanne has been a proud member of Dancin’B Fit for two years, bringing her love of dance and performance to every routine. With a background in ballet and jazz, including performances in New York City, she values the support and encouragement of her fellow dancers. Led by the inspiring Chel, the group continually learns new routines that challenge and improve their skills. For Joanne, the joy comes from seeing the smiles and appreciation of audiences, making every hour of practice worthwhile. She’s grateful to be back dancing and sharing her passion with this amazing team.