Dancing with the stars shows Boomers can still shake a leg

I've always wished I could dance. Unfortunately, I still have to remind myself when walking, "Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot."

Some people will argue that anyone can learn to dance and maybe they're right, which confirms my belief that I'm not just anyone. In fact, a few years ago I was at the National Speakers Association convention and on the last evening, I attended the dance event. I looked on with admiration at the  people who had the courage to get out on the floor and have fun while I self-consciously sat and resigned myself to be just an observer.

Along came a woman I didn't know who asked, "Want to dance?"

I laughed and said, "Oh honey, I would never embarrass myself or another person by doing that! I have absolutely no sense of rhythm."

She sat down and said, "I can teach you. Everyone can dance." To prove her point, she took my hand in hers and said, "OK, here's what I want you to do. Tap your hand against mine to the rhythm of the music, then let that rhythm just overtake your whole body."

I was skeptical, but since everybody else was dancing  and I had no plausible excuse not to honor her request, I started tapping.

She gave it a good five minutes, smiled sweetly and said, "You may be right. You really don't have much rhythm, do you?" She suddenly remembered something she needed to do and she escaped before I could give her a list of all the things I can do well.

Anyway, when "Dancing With The Stars" became a TV show, I resisted the urge to watch it, figuring it would only remind me of my own inadequacy. But last night, I gave into temptation. After all, Marie Osmond (age 47) , Wayne Newton (age 65) and Jane Seymour (age 56) were on  and my curiosity got the best of me.  (OK, I confess... I also had a terrible crush on Donny Osmond in the 70's and caught his Osmond's Odds on Entertainment Tonight in which he gave his sister high marks.)

Wow! I was impressed! Marie Osmond was very entertaining and incredibly sexy and Jane Seymour was as captivating on the dance floor as she is on the big screen. Wayne can't dance any better than one of Marie's plastic dolls, but I couldn't help but cheer him on anyway!

It was really fun to watch these Boomers (and one "Mature" adult) show the world what we Boomers already know: there's no age limit when it comes to having fun or learning/refining a new skill. The fact is, Boomers are rushing to gyms, yoga classes and dance classes in an effort to stay fit. We "get it" that getting fit doesn't have to be done in under the watchful eyes of a trainer or in front of a TV in the basement.

The lesson for marketers? Understand that Boomers aren't easing into old age. We consider ourselves vital, young-at-heart and ready for adventure. If you want our attention, find ways to connect with us at this level. Why not offer free dance lessons - or a pass to a gym - as an incentive to buy your product? Consider (if you sell food) what healthy choices you'll offer Boomers who buy from you. Support their causes, such as fund-raising walks.

Meanwhile, don't look for me on the dance floor, but do know that I'll be tapping my foot (off rhythm, probably) while cheering on my fellow Boomers!