A party with Tommy Bahama shirts, leis and dancing might sound like a luau straight out of Waikiki, Hawaii, however the festivities were closer to home at the Gilroy Senior Center where members of South County’s disabled community boogied at their annual Adaptive Learning Luau.
Approximately 200 people and 20 volunteers gathered Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. for the summer luau, one of four annual Adaptive Learning Program dances organized by the Gilroy Parks and Recreation Department.
For many disabled persons, the Adaptive programs provide a venue for socialization.
“We have Halloween, Christmas, Valentines and luau dances – the luau is the newest. The dances give them time to get together and have fun,” Tracy Kester Guerro, 47, Adaptive Recreation Program leader said. “It is amazing to see how many people with disabilities there are, the luau is a great time for them all to get together.”
After paying $5 for entry, eager dancers made a beeline for the dance floor. As the night progressed, dozens of dancers boogied away with no inhibitions to pop music beats from Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber.
While making his rounds speaking to strangers and friends alike, self-described dance veteran, 54-year-old Scott Jost of Gilroy, said that during his many years of attendance, he never misses out on the dances.
“I always come to the dances, I like coming because I get to dance a little and see all of my friends,” he said, adding that he also enjoys attending Guerro’s weekday classes.
“(The adaptive program class) does fun stuff like going on walks, camping, sleepovers, fishing and golfing,” Jost said. “I can’t wait to go camping in August.”
Amidst the dancing, attendees chowed down on pizza and nachos, sat back and chatted with friends.
That included 53-year-old Chris Lane of Gilroy, who said he enjoyed listening to the DJ and seeing his friends.
“Oh God, it’s great, you get to meet other people and have a great time with friends,” Lane said. “I love it, it is a great experience for me.”
Many disabled persons have jobs during the week and sometimes can’t attend the adaptive learning program throughout, Guerro said.
One such person is 36-year-old Ben Kludt of Gilroy who said the Adaptive Learning events are a fun way to relax between working and volunteering.
“The luau is fun, but my favorite (dance) is the Valentines dance,” Kludt said. “During the week I volunteer, so I like to meet and talk to people at the dances.”
Although the Gilroy park’s department organized the event, Kester said they welcome everyone from Santa Clara County.
Driving up from Hollister, Becky Vaca, 61, and Debbie Alverez, 49, said they make sure to come to the dances, and other special activities the Adaptive program holds.
“I love it, I come to the luau every year. I also try go to bowling nights and camping,” Vaca said.
The Adaptive program has been a part of Gilroy for 35 years. The program runs weekly from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guerro said the 20-person group of disabled persons do activities each week such as games, exercise and walks around the city as well as annual events like bowling, dancing and fishing trips – which draw much larger crowds.
