Pat Abbott is the president of the Birmingham Swing Dancers, a volunteer-run organization that has many members in the north Jefferson County area. The Birmingham Swing Dancers organize a dance at the Fultondale Friendship Hall every month; the next dance is on July 23.

• What drew you to the Birmingham Swing Dancers?

Really, it was my love for dance, and what learning dance did for me and how it changed my life. I’ve been swing dancing for 10 years, and I teach East Coast Swing, Ballroom and advanced Zydeco at Riverchase United Methodist Church in Birmingham. I teach an East Coast Swing lesson at the beginning of each of our swing dancing nights

• How did dance change your life?

After being married for 30 years, I found myself single again. I was new to the single world, and I felt like my only real options for meeting people were a church or a bar. I didn’t feel comfortable in bars, and I was already part of a church. Dancing was an atmosphere I felt comfortable with. There was no smoking or drinking. I’m kind of an action person, too. I met the person I’m dating now five years ago while swing dancing.

• Have you seen dance affect others in a positive way?

I’m a realtor. I consider my job a service, and I consider what I do with the Swing Dancers a service, too. I wanted to give back to other singles what dance did for me. Some people meet and get married, others form relationships… and lots of friendships get started at the dances. One person can dance with as many as 20 people in a night, so it really is a great way to meet people. Lots of different people from different ages and economic stations dance with each other.  We also try to have lots of local bands, too.