Physical therapy students put 30 Sisters of St. Francis through their paces at a line dancing party in late July in the Copper Beech Room.

Each Sister was paired with a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program to guide them through the steps and prevent any falls. Two second-year students with experience as cheerleaders or dancers for Philadelphia professional sports teams taught the dance moves.

Arielle Hunt is one of the Eagles cheerleaders. Michelle Basner is a former cheerleader for the Wings indoor lacrosse team.

“I was working with one of the Sisters on balance activities, and we both noticed the similarity to line dancing,” explained Scott Biely, director of the DPT program. “So, we got the idea to host a line dancing event.”

The dance party was part of a pro bono clinic that the physical therapy faculty have started for the sisters at the convent. The clinic provides a chance for the faculty to work with Sisters who need physical therapy care and gives students an opportunity to volunteer and polish their physical therapy skills.