A dance floor, a live big band and heart-shaped decor added to the toe-tapping atmosphere at Recency on Whidbey’s Valentine’s dinner and dance Thursday evening.

Pink and red decorations adorned the packed dining hall as residents at the Oak Harbor assisted-living facility visited with friends. Several spunky attendees danced to and from the dessert table and paused in front of the band for a little tush-shaking before making their way back to the their seats.

Jerry Jones Whidbey Jazz Band returned this year based on popular demand, said activities director Debbie Tompkins, who organized the event with help from marketing director Heidi Kuzina.

Nurses buzzed from table to table to “dance” with those who couldn’t make it onto the dance floor and the cook even stole away from the kitchen for a few minutes to join the party.

“What a wonderful time!” exclaimed resident Helen Burkhart as she scanned the cheery scene.

Although her dancing days are over, Burkhart said she enjoyed watching others take to the floor.