Virginia man inspires community through line dancing class

PETERSBURG, Va. (InvestigateTV) - A Richmond, Virginia man has found an unexpected way to bring his community together after being asked to lead a line dancing class at Club 17 in Petersburg.

Richard Caple leads the Keep it Movin’ dance group, where he teaches mostly senior members of Mount Olivet Baptist Church to move to the beat. But Caple’s impact extends far beyond the dance floor.

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

How it all started

The origin of Caple’s teaching role depends on who you ask.

Adrianne Green, a member of the Keep it Movin’ group, said she asked Caple to become the line dance instructor, and he agreed.

Caple tells a different story.

“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,” he said.

Beyond the dance floor

Caple said the health benefits make every class worthwhile.

“It gives me joy when they give me their testimonies. Like they went to the doctor, the doctor said they have lost weight, they’re doing good,” Caple said.

The group takes their community involvement a step further through outreach efforts.

Caple has organized fashion shows to raise money for student scholarships, kept company for the sick and shut-in and raised money for the American Cancer Society.

The group even helped one of their own when they fell on hard times.

“The lady’s house was being condemned. So, we were able to raise $500 that same evening,” Caple said.

A full-time giver

Caple manages all of this community work while maintaining a full-time job as a medical transport driver for seniors. He credits advice from a senior for helping him balance it all.

“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.

Caple said his motivation comes from a simple philosophy.

“I’m a giver and I like to give back. I like to put smiles on all the people’s faces,” he said.

See the story by Ashley Hendricks here.