Contributed
The Sophisticated Ladies, a Rockette-style dance troupe for seniors, has continued to rehearse and perform throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dancers Angie Huber, Fran Gialanella, and Wynne Wroblesky are all residents of the Seven Lakes community.
Founded 30 or so years ago by Pinehurst retiree and former New York City Rockette Barbara Hamm, the group performs regularly in nursing and retirement homes, at charity events and for local civic groups. Members of the current troupe are anywhere from 50 to 80 years old. For every performance, they wear sparkling costumes and use energetic precision choreography.
During the past year, the group performed at Penick Village Assisted Living, Quail Haven Skilled Nursing, Coventry House, Encore Theatre and The Christian Women’s Connections Brunch at Pinehurst Country Club.
At all venues, they performed the Broadway songs “Mame,” “St. Louis Blues March” and “City Lights.” At the Encore Center, dancers opened for Steel Magnolias and also performed “All That Jazz” with the Teen Choral and Dance Ensemble.
The Sophisticated Ladies kept the group going through hard work and determination, using creative safety techniques to protect the dancers and their audiences. Everyone was required to be vaccinated, have their temperature taken and sign paperwork prior to the show. Performers wore masks or shields.
Currently the troupe is working on a Christmas program that will include dances to “New York, New York,” “City Lights,” “The Toy Soldier March/We Need a Little Christmas” and “Frosty, The Snowman.” The numbers will be performed at Elmcroft, The Senior Center, Monarch, The Republican Women’s Club, Brookhaven and Penick Village.
Sophisticated Ladies is actively recruiting new members. Interested dancers must be 50 years old and up, and able to meet for weekly rehearsals every Monday and Thursday morning.
