A Season of Service: How Residents Live Their Faith Year-Round
From food drives and blood banks to golf tournaments and volunteering, discover how Santa Marta residents give back with purpose.
At Santa Marta, the dance floor has become one of the most joyful gathering places in the community, a space where neighbors connect, laughter carries across the room, and staying active feels natural and fun.
But this vibrant tradition didn’t begin as a formal program. It started with one resident who simply loved to dance and invited others to join her.
That resident was Ranee Phye, who lived at Santa Marta with her husband, Larry. Ranee had a deep love for line dancing and believed dancing was meant to be shared. What began as informal gatherings where she taught steps and encouraged neighbors to join quickly grew into something bigger than anyone expected.
Residents remember her energy, her welcoming spirit, and the way she made everyone feel comfortable stepping onto the dance floor, whether they had danced before or not. Her enthusiasm created momentum, and before long, a line dance group formed and began drawing regular participation across the community.
What started as one resident’s passion became part of Santa Marta’s culture, a tradition that continues every time the music begins.
As more residents joined, dancing naturally became part of celebrations throughout the year, from New Year’s Eve parties to Valentine’s gatherings, a senior prom, and other community events.
Over time, residents asked for a regular opportunity to host dances themselves.
That request led to today’s beloved monthly resident-led dance, a relaxed social event, sometimes with live music, shaped by the people who live here, many of whom were inspired by the foundation Ranee helped create.
Today, residents like Kathy Warner and Donna Berry, along with fellow neighbors and volunteers, help carry the tradition forward, ensuring the dance floor remains welcoming, energetic, and inclusive for everyone.
The vibe is upbeat and easygoing. You might see line dancing alongside couples dancing or friends catching up between songs.
Many residents simply call it “Let’s Dance,” a name that perfectly captures the spirit of the evening.
Beyond the fun, dancing is one of the most effective ways to support overall well-being, something residents appreciate as part of Santa Marta’s active lifestyle.
Research from the National Institute on Aging shows dancing can:
Dancing uniquely combines physical activity, mental engagement, and social interaction, three key factors linked to healthy aging.
While Santa Marta’s dance culture has grown into a wonderful tradition, residents continue to recognize the woman who started it all.
Though Ranee Phye has passed, her influence remains deeply woven into community life. Her husband, Larry, still lives at Santa Marta and continues to see how her passion lives on each time neighbors gather to dance.
What began as her personal joy has become a shared experience, one that welcomes new residents, strengthens friendships, and keeps the community moving together.
“One of the things that makes Santa Marta special is that residents shape what life here looks like,” said Colleen Hollestelle, President and CEO of Santa Marta. “This dance started with one resident who loved to line dance, and now it’s something the whole community looks forward to.”
“You walk into that room and people are laughing, dancing, and pulling friends onto the floor,” Hollestelle added. “That’s what community should feel like.”
The evolution of dance at Santa Marta reflects the kind of culture residents value, one where people are encouraged to share their interests and bring new ideas forward.
And as playlists change and new songs are added, the dance floor remains a place where friendships grow, new residents feel welcomed, and Ranee’s dancing legacy continues, one song at a time.
How often are dances held at Santa Marta?
Residents host a monthly resident-led dance, called Let’s Dance, with additional dances held for celebrations throughout the year such as New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and special themed events.
Who organizes the dances?
Residents take the lead, creating playlists, helping host, and shaping the atmosphere, with support from the Santa Marta team.
Do dances include live music?
Yes. Some dances feature live music alongside playlist-driven dance nights.
Are there health benefits to dancing?
Yes. Dancing supports balance, heart health, memory, mood, and social connection, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to stay active.
What makes Santa Marta’s dance culture unique?
It grew organically from resident Ranee Phye’s passion for line dancing and continues to be shaped by residents today, reflecting Santa Marta’s active and engaged community life.
Learn More About Santa Marta
If you’re exploring senior living in Johnson County and want a community where mission, hospitality, and meaningful living come together, we would love to connect with you. Whether you’re just beginning your research or ready to take the next step, our team is here to answer questions, schedule a personal visit, or simply have a conversation. Contact one of our senior living sales counselors today.
| All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Sitemap
