Nearly thirty years ago, the dance group that would come to be known as The Sophisticated Ladies was founded by former Radio City Music Hall Rockette Barbara Hamm in February of 1992. All dancers are fifty years of age and older, with no upward limit. Close to three decades later, the ladies are keeping the club alive and still kicking!
The Sophisticated Ladies have gained a reputation as a group of seasoned dancers whose performances bring warmth and joy to those who they perform for. The ladies have performed all across the Sandhills, dancing their way around Moore, Scotland, Cumberland, and Durham counties. Most performances take place at convalescent care homes, retirement villages, or wherever else folks are looking for a dynamic, one-of-a-kind source of entertainment to brighten up their day.
“We’re known in this community, and we work hard for it,” said dancing director Angie Huber. “We do it to bring happiness to the community.”
The Sophisticated Ladies perform over thirty dances a year, having shows scheduled in both the spring and the winter seasons. While the ladies have been invited to dance at parades, private clubs, and charity events, their main goal is to bring happiness to the residents of senior care facilities.
“We know we might be in that position someday and would like the entertainment,” said Sophisticated Ladies Announcer Beverly Wetherbie. The ladies try to get residents and the audience involved, and often see members of the audience tapping their feet, singing, or clapping along to the performance.
“We have people who hug us and tell us how much our performances mean to them,” said group manager Marilyn Dotto.
Over the years, the group continued to gain popularity and expand. At one point, there were twenty-two Sophisticated Ladies dancing! The numbers have declined in recent times, however, so the ladies are on the lookout for new recruits who want to have a good time dancing and bringing happiness to others, but who are also committed to the group.
No prior experience with dancing is needed to join the Sophisticated Ladies. Potential dancers need only bring a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn and volunteer their time. The ladies are more than happy to help new dancers learn the moves and truly embrace the dance experience to build skill and confidence.
“Dancing is one of the best activities to keep not only your body in shape, but your mind, as well,” stated group manager Marilyn Dotto. “The benefits are numerous, from the physical fitness to the mental wellbeing to the sense of companionship.”
For more information about The Sophisticated Ladies, find them on Facebook at @SLMooreCounty, or visit their website at www.SophisticatedLadiesMooreCounty.com
