Eugene weekly., August 07, 2014, Page 39, Image 39

SENIOR MOMENTS DANCE TEAM PERFORMS NEXT
AUG. 10 FOR A PROBONEO BENEFIT
PHOTO BY TODD COOPER
Footloose T
& 55-plus
THE SENIOR MOMENTS
TEAM BRING FLASHMOBS
TO THE LOCAL SCENE
by Rachael Carnes
he Senior Moments Dance Team got its
start when Richard Walker, retired owner of
Champion Friction, issued a public invitation in
The Register-Guard to join a seniors’ fl ashmob.
Seventy-seven people showed up to that fi rst rehearsal
at the Vet’s Club in May of 2013, and the group’s been
dazzling audiences ever since.
With notches in their belts for performances at the
Oakway Center, Valley River Center, various retirement
homes and, most recently, the Hult Center for the
Performing Arts, Senior Moments wins hearts wherever
they go. For the uninitiated, a fl ashmob is when a group of
people who, seemingly spontaneously, fl ock together to
perform a pre-organized performance, from pillow fi ghts
to choreographed dance numbers, like Senior Moments,
in a public space.
“The most amazing thing is, people love us because
we only last about a minute,” quips retired fi nancier Mike
Morrison, the self-elected “founding offi cer” of the group.
“No,” counters Connie Manning, owner of Bare
Bones Dog Wash, “people love us because we’re old and
entertaining.”
With a corps that hovers around 40 members (“We
lose some in the winter, because people may not want to
drive at night,” says retired teacher Gwen Curran), Senior
Moments is open to anyone age 55 or older. Currently,
their oldest dancer is 92.
According to Sharon Snow, a retired professional
fundraiser, one secret to their success is their
choreographer, Robert Schwartz. “He has a sensitivity,”
Snow says. “He makes us look good.”
“My core belief is for everyone to be included in
whatever way is appropriate for them,” Schwartz says. “I
like to bring dancing to where they are.”
Schwartz notes that there’s an elevator at the Vet’s
Club where the group meets on Monday nights at 7 pm,
and dues are kept as low as possible. There’s a discount
for nonagenarians (ages 90-99) and a “three-digit free”
policy.
With his colleague Jenn Hess, Schwartz has guided a
group of mostly fi rst-time movers from shopping malls to
a world-class stage. “People are so much better than what
their self image thinks they can do,” Schwartz says.
The Senior Moments members tout improvement in
their memories as the greatest benefi t of learning and
executing choreography. “This dancing is good for old
folks,” Morrison chimes. And beyond the cognitive, the
group creates a pleasant social atmosphere. Snow adds,
“People are concerned if you’re not there at rehearsal.”
Right now, the group is rehearsing a sultry new number,
“All That Jazz,” for upcoming benefi t performances Aug.
10 and 16.
Curran says, “We’re gonna throw a little sex at ’em.” ■
Senior Moments Dance Team performs at the “Who Let the Dogs Out” benefi t
for Pro-Bone-O noon to 6 pm Sunday, Aug. 10, at 3365 E. Amazon, and the
Courageous Kids benefi t 4:30 to 7:30 pm Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Campbell
Center. For more information on joining the Senior Moments Dance Team,
visit lovewithmotion.com or call Mike Morrison at 485-1823.
Fall REGISTRATION!
Featuring
2014-15
Concert
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