The Bridgewater Roxies is definitely a group of old ladies. Ranging between the ages of 63 and 87, these women are no spring chickens. What they’re also not is feeble.
In fact, these women could probably be described as “unstoppable.” For them, there are no walkers or sitting in rocking chairs on the porch. They move more gracefully and happily than many people do at a quarter of their age.
These senior citizens are amazing dancers. Meeting three times a week for two hours each time, they tap, twirl, strut, and waltz their way through the local senior center dance hall.
The Roxies love bringing their dance numbers to others.
So, what do these jazzy ladies do? They perform all around New Jersey — at nursing homes, hospitals, and other treatment facilities.
But they have also had even loftier experiences, including auditioning in front of former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul. They’ve even been featured in at least one movie. Dressed in their signature hot pink jackets, they look vibrant and young.
In a video on YouTube, choreographer Donna Langel stands in front of the ladies giving instructions.
“All right, ladies, we’re gonna work on ‘Chill Out,’ and ya gotta give me what? Attitude!”
If there’s one thing these women have, it’s attitude. As they practice together, they are alight with happiness. They laugh together and dance together, looking far younger than their years.
They’re determined to have fun even if they’re no longer young.
The Roxies don’t confine themselves to one style of dance. They love to experiment with dances from every time period and part of the world. So far, they’ve included tap, jazz, Indian dance, and more. Simply put, they love to dance, and they love to dance together.
“I think we show that if you’re active, then age is not a matter in your life,” Langel said. “I think my Roxies are one of the best examples of what aging means.”
It’s honestly amazing to watch women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s — many of whom must be grandmothers — attack a dance routine with so much skill, grace, and energy.
But dance isn’t the only way they support one another.
The Roxies aren’t just a fitness or performance group. It’s also a support group for a demographic that often feels isolated and lonely.
“I think I’d gone through a 10-year depression,” said Roxies member Dottie Turse. Turse is 77 and has been dancing with the Roxies for more than a decade. “You’re wondering ‘What’s next for me?’ But since coming here, everything has changed. My perspective has changed.”
Other members are happy that the dance group has encouraged them to be outgoing and confident for the first time in their lives.
Many senior citizens feel like they don’t have a support system.
They often struggle with depression and loneliness. It is a time of life when spouses pass away, children move on, and sickness often strikes. Many times, the elderly find themselves unable to relate to the world. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, especially for people who don’t know how to occupy their time any longer.
The Roxies say the dance group is like a family to them. They’ve supported one another through illness, loneliness, and other difficult situations. At least one member says the dance group helped her through her cancer diagnosis and treatment. Now, she’s using them as her inspiration to tackle life and enjoy every moment. So, she dances — and goes skydiving.
When the Roxies perform, people are amazed. The ladies are in great shape and have an enormous amount of vivacity and energy. When they go to nursing homes or assisted living facilities, Langel said, they leave people in shock. But everybody loves the Roxies — especially other senior citizens.
Many of the seniors in the audience get into the music, as well. A lot of the dance numbers include music from a bygone era, so they’re familiar with it. As the old favorites break out and the Roxies start to dance, audience members laugh in surprise, clap their hands, tap their feet, or even join in.
Their performances are a reminder to other seniors to enjoy life.
“It was awesome,” said one woman who witnessed a Roxies performance in a retirement home. “I am so glad I got to witness it for myself. I know many of the residents were inspired because as we get old, we can still move. We can still have fun. And that’s what it’s all about, is living.”
Langel says that the dance group is a great way to reach out to other seniors in assisted living facilities, many of whom struggle with depression, loneliness, or illness. She says that when the music starts and the Roxies come out to dance, people get to remember what it’s like to be happy and have fun.
“I can’t thank these people enough, because they brought a smile to my husband’s face,” said one resident, gripping her husband’s hand and pressing back tears. “He hasn’t had anything to smile about in a long time.”
Feelings of depression are common as people age.
Old age is a time of sudden and scary life changes, such as losing life partners, growing ill, and moving into retirement homes. Many elderly people may feel like they feel foundationless and removed from the rest of the world. As they lose their physical and mental independence, they no longer know quite where they fit in in the grand scheme of things.
Depression can also go hand-in-hand with physical illnesses, such as diabetes, heart problems, and cancer. These experiences are frightening to face, and many elderly people have to face them without a large support system.
It makes sense that they may feel like they don’t know where to turn. Not feeling like they have hobbies or friends makes these feelings even worse. That’s why groups like the Bridgewater Roxies can make such a difference in people’s lives.
These ladies might be older, but they’re all about attitude.
With their many costume changes, flamboyant feathers, and sparkling leotards, the Roxies don’t come off like a group of feeble old women. They look happy, confident, and empowered. And their dance moves are pretty impressive.
Langel said she hopes that the Bridgewater Roxies inspire other seniors to remember that just because they are reaching the last chapter of their lives does not mean they have to feel sad or alone. She wants other people to learn how to challenge themselves physically, be happy, and live.
So, what is next for the Bridgewater Roxies? To keep dancing, of course. Watch their moves below.
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