Every Thursday afternoon there’s a party happening at Sunnyside Community Services. As Marvin Ramirez dusts off his laptop keys, people flood the dance floor.

It all started two years ago. Ramirez had just retired from DJing on the radio. He found a new gig, one that allowed him to give back, not only to the community but to his fellow seniors, doing what he does best.

What You Need To Know

  • Marvin Ramirez spent his life as a radio DJ. After retiring he found a new gig as the afternoon dance DJ at Sunnyside Community Services

  • No matter someone's age, there is room on the dance floor for everyone. Participants say the activity makes them feel young

  • Ramirez doesn't have a favorite song. He watches for what the crowd likes and makes sure to keep the party going

“I just do this for volunteer because I enjoy it,” said Ramirez.

And once the party has started, Ramirez said, “They don’t want to go home, they want to keep dancing.”

The DJ says he doesn’t have a favorite song. He tries to keep the music fresh each week. Playing everything from Bachata to Rumba to Salsa, with a little American jingle thrown into the mix.

“It’s fun and I like the music,” said Evangelina Sumagaysay, a weekly participant in the dance party.

From 50 to 92, there’s room on the dance floor for everyone.

“You feel young. You feel alive. Dancing makes you young,” said Miguel Ruiz, who comes each week.

The music is so good, even Ramirez himself has to take a moment to join in.

“We feel happy. We feel younger. We feel stronger when we dance,” said Sumagaysay.

For keeping the community moving and grooving, Marvin Ramirez is our New Yorker of the Week.