The Sun City Strutters are back for their annual performance, dancing their way through music of the 30s, 40s, and 50s with lively tap, ballet, and jazz dance routines. The group is comprised of Sun City residents ranging in age from 50 to 80+ who share the mutual love of dance. Performances will feature special guest vocalists Sara Tustin and Ray Thomas.
The Strutters’ 16th anniversary performance, “Life is a Cabaret,” comes to Drendel Ballroom on Wednesday, June 12, then to the Huntley High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 15.
New this year, the Drendel Ballroom performance includes bistro-style seating and a cash bar, in keeping with the cabaret theme.
Val Stroud, one of dance teachers for the Strutters, says the group started as a tap dance group sixteen years ago. “Then ballet came, then jazz came,” she says. “It progressed as the years went on. It’s been going wild ever since!”
Life is a Cabaret
– Wednesday, June 12, 7 p.m. – Drendel Ballroom (Special Cabaret-style seating with cash bar; doors open at 6 p.m.)
– Saturday, June 15, 3 p.m. – Huntley High School Performing Arts Center
To Purchase Tickets:
PL: May 29, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 31 & June 10, 12-2 p.m.
MVL: June 4, 1-3 p.m., June 7, 9-11 a.m.
Tickets $5 each. Cash only please.
Contact Barb O’Neil, rubarb_4@yahoo.com or 224.558.3009
The Strutters perform at least once a year, sometimes adding a second show at Christmas time. Classes start each September, and Val says the group of dedicated teachers love seeing the progress of the dancers, who come in at every skill level.
“We bring people in, and some of these gals have never danced in their life, and now they’re in the advanced class,” she says. “Others come in and say, “I took ballet years ago. Do you think I could do it?”
“We say, ‘Come on in and try it!’ Val says. “If they like it, they stay. It’s wonderful!”
Classes meet two to four times a week, with classes that have both technical and dance choreography elements. The dedicated teaching staff includes Mary Wyatt (artistic director), Nancy Kutska (business manager), Carolyn Lydon, Sandy Tenggren, Kathie Bojens, Stroud, and Carol Stone.
“Dancing improves the body, the mind, and overall health,” says Stroud. “We may have a few aches and pains in between the whole thing, but it seems like it works itself out. We have fun together.”
“It’s going to be a wonderful show,” continues Stroud. “Our high kicks may not be as high, but they’re still as good.”
