The energy in the Springdale Bistro was palpable on Nov. 19, as Lucy Corr residents, staff and senior leaders gathered for the debut of the Springdale Steppers, a new dance group of Independent Living residents.
Seven performers in their late 70s to early 90s took to the floor, each introduced in lively, pro- ballroom-esque fashion. Months of practice and community-building led to the inaugural showcase, which had attendees smiling and clapping — and, in many cases, dancing — along.
The troupe stepped confidently through a set of familiar line dances, including the Electric Slide, the Cupid Shuffle and the ever-popular Chicken Dance. Beyond nostalgia, the event served as a reminder of how energizing shared movement can be.
Renee Seay, Independent Living concierge at Lucy Corr, helped found and now leads the group. She developed inclusive choreography for the group’s various dances so residents of all abilities could participate. “You can do the Chicken Dance sitting down,” she noted.
While many dancers hadn’t stepped on a dance floor in years, they found their collective rhythm within minutes of starting practice. It was exactly that uniting power of music for people of all ages that inspired Seay to start the group.
These effects were evident throughout the Springdale Steppers’ performance, Seay said: “People lit up.” Applause filled the room as the final song wrapped. “Now that’s what I call entertainment,” one spectator remarked.
Seay said she was “ecstatic” at the response, adding that many more performances are to come: “This is just to get our feet wet.”
