Residents `kick it' at Anthem Center

Life is a dance for Di and Dan Vanden Heuvel, residents of Sun City Anthem in Henderson. The couple share their passion for dancing by teaching country western dance classes two nights a week to fellow residents of the age-qualified community.

"Dancing is a great form of exercise. It's challenging, stress relieving and most of all a lot of fun," Di Vanden Heuvel said.

The couple has danced together for more than 35 years. As amateurs, they won many competitions, including a Lawrence Welk ballroom contest.

"We had to do six different dances, including the country western 10-step," Vanden Heuvel said. "It's our favorite."

Di Vanden Heuvel is a former fashion model, and Dan Vanden Heuvel was an executive at a major manufacturing firm in Wisconsin. They also raised three children of their own and were foster parents to 17 children. Nowadays, they work as part-time travel agents in addition to giving dance lessons.

"We combined our interests by teaching dancing on cruises," said Dan Vanden Heuvel, who also played saxophone in a dance band.

Several factors drew the couple to Sun City Anthem.

"The age qualifications really appealed to us," Di Vanden Heuvel said. "Sun City is peaceful and the recreation center was a big factor in moving here."

Anthem Center features a variety of fitness, social and recreational opportunities, and is where the couple enjoy swimming and card playing.

The Vanden Heuvels chose the Monroe plan from the Classic series. At 1,596 square feet, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a great room, as well as a covered patio.

"We have a formal dining room, an enlarged kitchen and bedroom, plus an extra room for an office," she said.

Sun City Anthem offers 19 models, measuring from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet. Homes are priced from the mid-$140,000s to more than $500,000.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, turn left on Anthem Parkway then turn right on Alexandria Drive. The models and sales office are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

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