Bridgewater Roxies Relish Their Time On The Stage (Video)

They count a former ballerina from London and a professional Indian dancer as two of their members.

And they perform in shows across the county, including their upcoming one at the annual Christmas party.

They are the Bridgewater Roxies, made up of members, ages 59 to 83, of the .

"They love it, and they love to perform," said Donna Langel, senior center coordinator and choreographer for the Roxies. "You put them on stage and they love it, and it keeps them in shape."

On Monday afternoon, the about 16 members of the Roxies gathered at the senior center to rehearse their jazz and tap numbers for the upcoming center Christmas party. Amid laughter and the music, the women involved had a great time practicing their routines and continuing to choreograph the end of a piece to a song by Lady Gaga.

"I love to dance, mostly ballroom," said Bridgewater resident Marion Harris as she took a water break during rehearsal. "But I just love it all."

The group began several years ago, not as dance program, but as an aerobics one instead. Langel, who used to be a dance instructor herself, said she choreographed a three-minute piece for an aerobics class that was performed at "Senior Stars on Parade" at the Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools about six years ago.

While at the performance, Langel said, the members of the group saw other seniors performing tap and other dance routines.

"They wanted a tap group, and then I asked if they wanted to try jazz too," she said.

The program, Langel said, began as a part of the Mayors Wellness Campaign, and their unofficial first name was "Jazzy Jumpers."

But once people started to really join the program, Langel said, she decided the name needed to be changed, and they decided on the "Roxies."

"We were doing a kickline at the time, so we thought of the Roxies," she said.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Langel said, classes in jazz and tap are held at the center, beginning at 2 p.m., in addition to rehearsals before performances. Those who attend the classes do not have to be in the performances, and prior dance experience is not necessary.

"They can learn anything, no background knowledge necessary," she said. "We teach steps and go through dances. And if they want to perform, they just have to come to practices."

"These classes are open to all, and there are no guidelines," she added.

Bridgewater resident Carol Vroom, who teaches tap classes, said she has several beginners in her tap class, and that is no problem.

"Most have never danced before, or they did when they were very young," she said.

Vroom, a former tap teacher herself, said she works with students on the basic steps, then they can perform once they are in the advanced class.

Winnie Seidel, of Watchung, joined the group about four years ago, but was not new to the world of dance. For four years in the late 1950s, she was a member of the Royal Academy of Dance in London, and specialized in ballet.

"I love dancing, and I heard about this group," she said. "It was very convenient, and Donna [Langel] is very creative with the dances."

Seidel said she also enjoys spending time with the other members of the group.

"Everyone is very friendly, and we are like one big family," she said.

Martinsville resident Rupali Chakravarti said she has no prior experience with jazz or tap, but is a dancer by trade, having studied Indian dancing professionally in India.

And when she heard about the opportunity to be part of the Roxies, Chakravarti said, she jumped at the chance.

"I was at home, and I heard about the Roxies and thought it was a good idea," she said. "I decided I would like to be part of it."

Although she does not have prior knowledge about jazz, Chakravarti said, she has relished the opportunity to learn.

"I have never done this kind of dance before, but it is a lot of fun," she said. "This is a nice group."

Annette DelRocco, of Raritan, was one of the original members of the group, having thought of the name "Jazzy Jumpers" before the team became the Roxies. She said she has loved the camaraderie among the women in the group, as well as all the practices they have had.

"The camaraderie is always a nice thing," she said. "And as soon as one person leaves the group, we get another."

Bridgewater resident Dottie Turse said she has been a member of the group for about five years, and not only enjoys performing, but relishes the fact of getting to continue exercising her body and memory skills.

"It keeps the little gray cells moving because of all the steps we have to remember," she said with a laugh. "There is a lot of review, and I also love performing."

Aside from classes, the Roxies perform at children's hospitals, nursing homes, other senior centers and schools, traveling all over the county to perform.

In one instance, Langel said, they performed for a group at a nursing home, including a man who was somewhat paralyzed because of a stroke. But as he watched the performance, she said, he began to clap his hands.

"This motivates the dancers, and makes them want to get up and dance," she said. "People tap their feet, and they can see they've made someone happy."

In addition, Langel said, every May the group participates in Generation of Dance, which serves as a fundraiser with all the proceeds donated to the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center.

"We donation admission costs," Vroom said.

Aside from this, Langel said, the group does not ask for money specifically during performances, but does ask for donations if people wish to give them. The money is then used for purchasing costumes and other materials for the group.

"We just started asking for donations," she said.

All in all, Langel said, she is happy to have the opportunity to provide dancing for the members of the senior center, and is thrilled that this is part of her job.

"I didn't know dance would be part of this job, but they wanted to learn and they really want to do this," she said. "I'm so proud of them."