Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria promote busting a move as one of the best ways to keep healthy bones.

Ballarat Go Dancing teacher Cath Riggall is keeping alive an extensive repertoire of old-time classic dances and says you are never too old or too young to hit the dance floor.

“That’s what we’re doing, dancing to stay healthy and active,” Ms Riggall said amid a short break in Ballarat South Senior Citizens’ ballroom dance lessons on Thursday afternoon. “We’ve always got people learning to move. Most of us learned these dances first when we were teenagers, some are just new to these dances.”

Ms Riggall, in her 40-plus years teaching moves, said dance was a great way to socialise and keep your memory sharp remembering all the dance steps. On the floor, Ms Riggall can recall technique for more than 300 dances – and she can instruct men while dancing ladies’ steps.

There are no cures for osteoporosis or arthritis but, according to Arthritis Victoria, exercise is the best prevention and treatment. Arthritis Victoria is marking Healthy Bones Action Week with a social media dance campaign, calling on everyone to #makeamove or to simply dance like no-one is watching. The three key steps for healthy bones are regular weight-bearing exercise, increasing daily calcium intake and spending time outdoors to soak up a little Vitamin D in sunshine.

Ballarat South Senior Citizens agree dancing is also a great way to work up a healthy appetite – especially for suppers at old-time dance nights.