Noozhawk Featured Article: For the Young at Heart: Leslie Sokol’s Dance and Fitness Program for Adults 55 to 105

You likely know that, as you age, staying active and healthy can help you maintain the ability to do the things you love—whether it’s walking, gardening, traveling, or simply keeping up with your grandkids. What you might not have considered is that dance could be your new favorite way to stay strong, sharp, and joyful.

The good news? You don’t have to be a dancer to enjoy the benefits of movement. Santa Barbara resident Leslie Sokol has created a welcoming, energizing, and low-pressure space for older adults to stay active through her “For the Young at Heart” program.

A Program Built on Passion

“As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you lose it,” Leslie says. “That’s why For the Young at Heart classes are specifically designed and taught to 55- to 105-year-old adults.”

As the founder and director of Leslie Sokol’s Dance, Leslie blends her lifelong love of dance with over 40 years of experience teaching movement to adults and children. Her mission? To help people stay active, feel confident, and have fun—no matter their age or fitness level.

“My goal is to share with you my knowledge, passion, and pure love for dance and fitness,” Leslie says. “Whether you want to learn to dance or just do basic exercises, I have a class for you.”

A Variety of Classes for Every Body

Leslie offers five versatile, balanced class types, available online, in-person, and on-site at retirement communities and senior centers: Seated Chair Dance & Fitness, Stetchercise (gentle mobility and flexibility), Body Scultping & Strength Training, Jazz Dance and Latin Dance (Salsa, Cha-Cha, Rumba and more) and Dancing Through the Decades (various dance styles).

Each class includes a full-body workout, combining:

• Strength training to support independence
• Stretching for mobility and flexibility
• Aerobic movement to boost energy and heart health

“We move the whole body from head to toe,” Leslie emphasizes. “The benefits are endless—alertness, coordination, strength, balance, flexibility, confidence, and most importantly, fun.”

Designed for All Abilities

Whether you’ve been exercising for years or are just starting, Leslie’s classes are built to meet you where you are.

“With over 40 years of teaching dance and fitness, I’ve learned that it’s not always what you teach—it’s how you teach it,” she explains.

Every class includes “peaks and valleys”: an active aerobic warmup followed by slower-paced strength and stretching exercises. This format is ideal for engaging both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers, giving you a complete and balanced workout. Leslie also offers modifications for various moves (many movements can be done standing, seated or supported), clear instructions and repetition to help build confidence. Leslie’s dance classes are all about building a safe and welcoming space to move and enjoy life. “I believe that participating in a class that makes you feel good, builds your confidence, and helps you stay healthy is what it’s all about,” Leslie says.

Join From Anywhere

Leslie makes it easy to join her movement community, wherever you are:

• Online Membership – Access 40+ workouts in all five styles with new content added monthly
• In-Person Studio Classes – Small, supportive groups in her private Santa Barbara space
• On-Site Programs – Leslie brings classes to retirement communities and senior centers

“For the Young at Heart is an adult dance and fitness program created specifically for seniors, no matter your age or physical capabilities,” Leslie says. “This fun and energetic program is perfect for older adults who want to get moving and feel good.”

A Teacher Who Truly Cares

With a vibrant spirit and decades of experience, Leslie’s greatest joy is helping others feel their best—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and her classes are designed to uplift, energize, and empower.

“No matter what age you are or what your fitness level is, I can help you get in shape, feel terrific, and have fun,” Leslie says.

Ready to Get Moving?

Whether you’re curious about dance, need low-impact strength training, or just want to move more with joy, For the Young at Heart is the perfect way to get started. It’s never too late to feel better, build confidence, and enjoy a lifestyle filled with movement and connection. Because the body was made to move—and being healthy and happy is what it’s all about.

Learn more and sign up at lesliesokolsdance.com

Watch episodes of For the Young at Heart:

COX YurView (check your local listings for channels)

Monday and Wednesdays | 9:30 a.m.
Saturdays | 8:00 a.m.
Sundays | 12:30 p.m.

TVSB (watch on Channels 17 and 71)

Monday – Friday | 8:30 a.m.

This article originally appeared in Noozhawk