Suzanne's Mom's Blog

Photo: Stefano Giovannini.
Phyllis Bogart discovered the Pacemakers, a dance group for older people, after her beautician recommended them.

They say, “You’re never too old,” but I know from experience that zumba requires a better sense of balance than I have now. Still, there are plenty of people who can not only dance after a certain age but learn new routines.

McKenzie Beard writes at the New York Post, “On the dance floor, Phyllis Bogart moves like she’s made of electricity, not metal. At 78, her pink-and-purple-streaked curls bounce as she shimmies and shakes with the energy of someone half her age, each twirl punctuated by a wide, wild grin. It’s clear that four hip replacements, a mechanical knee and a string of other surgeries haven’t slowed her down — though they did earn her a nickname.

“ ‘With all the titanium in my body, I’ve become known as the bionic babe,’ Bogart told the Post.

“The retired nurse and pharmaceutical rep is a member of the Pacemakers — a precision dance troupe that’s redefining what it means to be a senior, helping people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s stay active both mentally and physically. …

Founded in 2019, the NYC-based Pacemakers sprang to life after founder Susan Avery faced ageist backlash as the oldest dancer for the Brooklyn Cyclones from strangers online. …

“ ‘That is how I learned what it was like to be cyberbullied,’ said Avery, 65, recalling the 2017 incident. … But instead of letting it defeat her, Avery says her daughter urged her to channel the hurt into action.

“So Avery placed an ad in Playbill inviting seniors to audition for a new senior dance team. Sixteen performers answered the call.

“ ‘Our first performance was July 6, 2019,’ she said. ‘I was so nervous, but we ended up getting a standing ovation — and our dance card has been full ever since.’

“Now seven seasons in, the Pacemakers boast 47 members and have won fans around the globe with viral performances that have racked up millions of views online. The team performs for hundreds of thousands of fans each year, appearing frequently at sporting events, community centers, festivals and conferences across the Northeast. …

“While you have to be 60 to join, the group hosts workshops and ‘day discos’ open to all ages.

“Notably, only two members have professional dance training; the rest come from healthcare, education, law enforcement, journalism and a variety of other fields. … But there’s one thing they all share: a fearless approach to aging. … During performances, each member wears their birth year on the back of their jersey, loud and proud. …

“As the Pacemakers embrace their senior status, members say the group helps them stay well as they get older.

“ ‘I never thought at this age that I would be involved in something so exciting, so energizing, so fun and so challenging to my body and my brain,’ Bogart said. …

“Studies show that learning choreography is excellent for the brain, engaging memory, focus, coordination, timing, rhythm and movement simultaneously. Research suggests it helps slow cognitive decline and may even reduce the risk of developing dementia.

“The Pacemakers are also getting a full-body workout. Their complex routines require strength, flexibility and balance, helping members stay physically fit. … The group also creates a community, preventing social isolation and loneliness common among older Americans. …

“The group’s choreographer, Marissa Montanez, designs each routine with the dancers’ mobility and physical limits in mind.

“ ‘I want them to look good. I want them to shine. I don’t want to give them something so hard that they can’t handle it,’ said Montanez. … ‘But at the same time, I don’t want to give them a routine that makes people say, “Oh, old people, how cute …” I want people to be like, “Oh damn, they’re really good; I can’t even do that!” ‘ “

More at the Post, here.