Put on a happy face

While the Sun City Strutters might be known for their grand annual performances, the dancers delight audiences in humbler arenas as well.

The Sun City Strutters, composed of about 70 members who normally perform two large winter and spring dance events, also take their show on the road.

According to Mary Wyatt, the artistic director and instructor for the group, some of the Strutters also participate in a smaller, ensemble group of about 30 members.

Strutters artistic director Mary Wyatt (front) leads members in rehearsals. (Photos by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)

The Strutter ensemble dancers’ main audiences? Residents in local nursing homes.

“It’s just a wonderful experience because the people are so grateful that we come,” said Wyatt.

The Strutters’ ensemble group has graced many nursing homes and similar communities throughout the area, including Heritage Woods, and most recently, GreenFields in Geneva.

“We do tap, ballet, and jazz,” said Wyatt, who also noted that the shows require a consistent music and lighting crew. This smaller Strutters troupe performs at no charge to the nursing homes and will only accept donations.

However, it’s no easy feat for the traveling dancers. The ensemble must bring its own dance floor (which is stored in about 10 different boxes and set up by coordinated maintenance crews) and squeeze in additional rehearsals as well.

“When we set up these visits, they’re always right after or right before our [larger] shows, so the dances are fresh” said Wyatt.

But, according to ensemble member and teacher Sandy Tenggren, all of this hard work is well worth it in the end.

“[The residents] hear the music and they just come alive. It makes us cry, actually,” she said.

Wyatt agrees.

“It’s such a satisfaction to know you can bring this to the people who have to be there,” she said, adding that just thinking about it gives her a chill. “It’s a great feeling, and there’s nothing like it.”

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