Line-dance instructor builds community while inspiring students

PETERSBURG, Va. (Aging Untold) — Richard Caple leads a line dancing class at Club 17 in Petersburg, and he also gives back to the community through scholarships and fundraisers.

How the class started

Caple said he did not initially want to lead the class.

“So, a year ago, we had contemplated on him becoming a line dance instructor. And I asked him, would he do it? And he said yes,” Adrianne Green, a member of the group, said.

“And they set me up. I didn’t want to do it. I really didn’t want to do it. But after the response, I got twisted, twisted my arm,” Caple said.

Participants and the class

Most participants are members of Mount Olivet Baptist Church.

Caple said the class gives him joy when participants share their experiences.

“It gives me joy when I when they give me their testimonies like they’ve been to the doctor. The doctor said they have lost weight. They are doing good,” Caple said.

“I don’t know why I’m attached to them seniors, but them seniors, they got my heart, they got it and they know it too,” Caple said.

Community outreach

Caple has organized fashion shows to raise money for student scholarships. He keeps company with the sick and shut-in and raises money for the American Cancer Society. The group also helped one of its own members when she fell on hard times.

“Last week, one of the club members here asked up to help in a donation because a lady’s house was being condemned. So we were able to raise $500 that same evening,” Caple said.

Full-time job

Caple works a full-time job as a medical transport driver for seniors in addition to leading the class.

“I was told about it by a senior. She said, never change what you’re doing. You just ask God to give you the strength to make time to do what you like to do,” Caple said.

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