LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Every Wednesday at Douglass Community Center in Louisville a group of women tap dance while also keeping their mind sharp.
“You have to remember all the steps and what comes next,” said Norma Manford, who has danced on-and-off with The Rockerettes since 1980.
The tap dance group is open to anyone with at least a beginner class under their belt, which Director Victoria Young says should be about six months of classes. The free weekly class is also open to all ages, but is mainly made up of senior women.
“As long as you have a desire to move, come on and dance,” said Young.
At 65-years-young, this group helped Young stick with her passion.
“I had both my hips replaced 15 years ago, and it was a way for me to re-enter into performing,” Young told Spectrum News 1.
The group helps its members stay healthy in more ways than one.
“It’s really a wonderful thing when you can have a group of women that all love doing the same things, but then all really care about each other and their families and what goes on in their daily life,” Young said.
The Rockerettes take the stage twice a year in Louisville as part of Young Hearts Theatre’s productions, which is a community theatre group made up of those 60 and up.
“At first you might be a little bit nervous, but once you get going you’re alright, and the more times you are on stage, the better you get,” Manford explained about her experience being on stage.
At 82-years-young, Manford has big plans for what’s to come.
“On my hundredth birthday, I hope to be on the stage dancing,” Manford said.
Once Upon A Summer! opens at the Ursuline Arts Center in Louisville on April 2 and runs until April 5. The show is at 2 p.m. ET, and is free but donations are welcome. For full details, check out the event's Facebook page. If you are interested to join The Rockerettes, contact its Director Victoria Young at 502-558-7044 or victoria4dance@hotmail.com.