After Broadway dancer CJay Philip moved to Baltimore, she started the dance company Dance & Bmore, which also offers classes and free events to promote dance and human connection. More recently, she founded the Forever Fit & Fun Club, which offers movement and music classes for those 55 and older. Philip is shown at the right. Photo courtesy of CJay Philip

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CJay Philip has enjoyed a long, successful career as a professional dancer in both modern and African dance companies, as a Broadway and touring performer in such shows as Dreamgirls, Big the Musical, Street Corner Symphony, Legally Blonde, and Hairspray, and as a popular dance fitness instructor at some of New York’s premiere health clubs.

But when she moved to Baltimore in 2010 for her husband to pursue a job opportunity, Philip decided that her touring days were behind her. Not so her love of performing, however, which she is now using to inspire and engage Baltimore youth, families and seniors.

The program has been so successful and the participants so engaged that Philip encouraged them to start performing themselves. Hesitant at first, they finally agreed and held their first public performance last summer at Artscape.

Though the grant ended last fall, Philip still holds monthly classes at J Van Story Branch Apartments, and is in the process of seeking additional grants or sponsors to expand the program for low-income seniors. Facilities may also pay to have the program brought to their location for eight to 12 weeks.

“I think we have earned the trust of the community,” Philip said of the program. “I want to make sure that these seniors are not forgotten.”

To see the Forever Fit & Fun group in
action, watch https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XC9tprvIg6I. For more information and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.danceandbmore.com or call (410) 871-8322.

A performance to benefit the Forever Fit & Fun Club, “Celebrate Your Light” featuring new works, will take place on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.