The Next "Dancing With the Stars" Zip is...?

[Captain Kangaroo]

Next Hint: He wore #7

[Z-P]

Bad linkie CK, can you fix it up?

[Captain Kangaroo]

Bad linkie CK, can you fix it up?

It loads slowly, but if you hang with it it eventually loads.Here's the text:Johnson's A.C. program sparks interest in danceGeorge Cameron, right, gives dance instruction to Charstean Nicholson at the Alliance YWCA. Cameron, who now resides in Akron, is a former running back for the Alliance Aviators. The dance class is a program of Johnson's A.C., which is also sponsoring a scholarship dinner-dance Saturday evening at American Legion Post 166 when an Alliance High School student will be honored.By Nancy WhitakerThe ReviewAn offshoot of Johnson's A.C. dance instruction at the Alliance YWCA is sparking interest among couples and singles who might otherwise be sitting home watching rehashes of the nightly news.The classes are held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 1 to 3 p.m. most Saturdays. The Y is located at 239 E. Market St. The cost is a minimal donation, so everyone can participate.Dance instructor Lloyd Grimes, of Akron, is being assisted by former Alliance resident George Cameron, a 1995 graduate of Alliance High School.Instruction in ballroom, line dancing and hand dancing is available. Grimes explained hand dancing as "the dance they do everywhere, consisting of 1-2-3, to the right, the left and back." If you are old enough to remember dances after football and basketball games at the former Alliance High School Hanger " that's hand dancing, a "slowed-down jitterbug."Renee Thomas, Olinda Hawkins and Sheila Cherry, daughters of Clarence Johnson of Alliance and the late Nellie "Sis" R. Johnson, and board members of Johnson's A.C., can be credited with getting the dance instruction program under way. Clarence Johnson has been the owner of Johnson's A.C. for 45 years.According to Thomas, she and her sisters saw Grimes dancing at an event. He was contacted about giving dance lessons and agreed. Thomas, who is in her 50s, said the dance classes are "offering another alternative as we progress through the senior years." "It is good exercise and you can go home and sleep good," she added.Most people attending are "40 and over," said Thomas. "Some have lost spouses and this gives them some incentive to get out," she added. Thomas emphasized, "These folks here are just learning; others in the group also help people," meaning there is no need to be embarrassed if you are out of step. Members of the dance instruction class have been given the name "The Aristocrats."Former Alliance resident Brenda Lilly, who now resides in Canton, said, "I love it. It's good exercise with good people. Every time I come it's something new." Instructor Grimes, who didn't miss a class traveling from Akron to Alliance during this past snowy winter, has been a dance instructor at Lawton Community Center in Akron for the last 20 years.Becoming interested in dancing as a teenager, Grimes, 69, said he learned to dance by watching other people dance. Also a choreographer, in that capacity, Grimes said, "I try not to be conventional; I make up my own moves."Cameron, 30, the second instructor, said, "Lloyd taught me a lot about dancing; he took me under his wing." A former Aviator and University of Akron Zips football player, Cameron said he once thought dancing was for sissies. It took Cameron "about a month to learn the basics." Now he and Grimes are putting on cabarets, which include dinner and dancing, at the Summit County Fairgrounds."Lloyd is bringing something different to our community," Cameron added.Referring to the dance classes, Cameron said, "We just want people to come out and enjoy themselves. Older people don't want to be in the house all the time." He added, "Tell them to come and learn something new." Jerry and Lynn Roach, of Alliance, have "always enjoyed dancing," but while raising their three sons, didn't have much time to dance. About six months ago, Jerry said they started taking the dance classes. "It's also a form of exercise," he pointed out.Alliance resident Margo King said the dance classes are "relaxing." She added, "It takes away the stress (after a day at work) and is good, clean fun." The classes began in November 2006 at the YWCA. Renee Thomas thanks the YWCA for the use of the facility.