For the last 25 years, this vaudeville tap dance group has performed over 1,700 shows across the Cleveland area.
In Parma, Ohio, the Donna Smallwood Activities Center is home to a group of local dancers known as the Raisin’ Canes, comprised of seniors aged 55 and up.
The Raisin’ Canes were established in 1999 by instructor-director Judy Martins, making it 25 years since its formation. Originally starting as a small vaudeville dance group for recreational and fitness purposes, the dancers improved tremendously over time, prompting them to invest in costumes and take their performances on tour.
Moves like the ones you see in their routines take years to perfect.
“We’ve done over 1,700 performances all over the city,” said Martins. “Wherever happy people gather, we dance.”
96-year-old Beedee Hein is the group’s emcee, tasked with telling jokes and speaking directly to their audiences.
“Just being together, seeing our audience, hearing the clapping, the laughter, the appreciation, that’s our pay,” Hein said.
Like some of the greatest athletes of all time, you’ve got to play through a little pain.
Despite dealing with aches and pains that come with age, the Raisin’ Canes members are filled with enthusiasm whenever they hear music, compelling them to showcase their dancing skills. According to Martins, although they may not move as swiftly as they used to, the key is to continue being active and not dwell on the pace at which they dance.
3News’ David Greenberg attempted to join these dancers. You can catch his dance moves in the vide player at the top of the story.
