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style tribes
March 25, 2013

The Florida Follies: Dancing for Showgirls Aged 60+

By Brenda Ramirez and Poon Amphaiwan

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Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan

When the Original Florida Follies take the stage with their extravagant outfits, gigantic headpieces, feather boas, and elaborate makeup, dancing away and smiling at the crowd, you can tell that most of these women have been moving like this for a long time. All the performers are 60 to 90 years old — or, in their words, “90 to 60 years young” — and the ranks are full of the well-trained: former showgirls, professional dancers, singers, and dance instructors who, like their less-gifted peers, have chosen South Florida for retirement.

“One day, I went to see my granddaughter’s recital at school,” says Love Crisson, 69, who has been a Follie for eight years. “I said, ‘you know what? I want to be on stage, too.’” She found an ad in a local paper and called the number to join. At the other end of the telephone line was Cathy Dooley, who had started the nonprofit organization twelve years ago as a way to help local children’s charities. (Even now, when the Follies present their Broadway-style revues in venues throughout Broward and Palm Beach County, no one gets a salary; all proceeds go to two local organizations annually.)

After working as a professional dance instructor for more than 50 years, Dooley started the troupe because she says the best thing she knew how to do was entertain. But with two new hips and a knee replacement almost two decades ago, she no longer dances. Instead, she works as artistic director and choreographer, guiding the women through rehearsals twice a week for eleven months. All that work goes into six Sunday shows — matinees — throughout January, February. and March.

At last show of the season in Fort Lauderdale (“Viva Las Vegas” was the theme this time), the Follies earned standing ovations as the women performed Burlesque numbers, a sensual jazz piece, and tributes to Elvis and Frank Sinatra. The audience gasped as the women shook their butts (still got it) and executed splits and turns. “It is easy to work with them because they are my contemporaries,” says director Dooley, who turned 82 this year, of her ladies. “We are entertaining people and we all want to do it.”

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1 / 14 Photos
Love Crisson, 69 What makes someone sexy? The allure from within and your attitude. Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Ruth Trimmer, 64 What has been your favorite memory of the show? Making these headpieces. It took three days and we did a lot of laughing. It too... Ruth Trimmer, 64 What has been your favorite memory of the show? Making these headpieces. It took three days and we did a lot of laughing. It took us sixteen work hours to make three but it was a lot of fun. I bought this dress at a thrift store, then we dyed it and added the stones. Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Sandra Lech-Bloom, 67 Why did you join the Follies? So that I would be back on stage and doing what I love to do, because I have been dancing sin... Sandra Lech-Bloom, 67 Why did you join the Follies? So that I would be back on stage and doing what I love to do, because I have been dancing since I was 2 years old. I love the headpiece, too, even though it is too wide. Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Margaret Taylor, 74 How have your outfits changed over the years? Every year the outfits change. Some we recycle and embellish for the next show.... Margaret Taylor, 74 How have your outfits changed over the years? Every year the outfits change. Some we recycle and embellish for the next show. Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Vivian Jeffers, 89 You look way younger than your age. That is what dancing does for you. We don’t stop dancing because we grow old; we grow old ... Vivian Jeffers, 89 You look way younger than your age. That is what dancing does for you. We don’t stop dancing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop dancing. That’s an old saying. Do you feel sexy? No, I don’t really care about sexy. When I walk on stage I am saying ‘look at me, I am beautiful.’ Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Joanie Helgesen, 73 What is your favorite part of being a Follie? I love the women I work with. I love dressing up for the performances, as the h... Joanie Helgesen, 73 What is your favorite part of being a Follie? I love the women I work with. I love dressing up for the performances, as the headpiece and costume was designed and made for me. Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Sherry Benjamin, 69 How do you like being a Follie? It is a lot of work, but so fulfilling because we make money for the kids. It is wonderful, w... Sherry Benjamin, 69 How do you like being a Follie? It is a lot of work, but so fulfilling because we make money for the kids. It is wonderful, when you think you are finished with living and then you start over again doing something like this. Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
One of the choreographed numbers  Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
All that jazz  Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Joanie Helgesen, 73  Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Vivian Jeffers, 89  Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
In the dressing room, preshow  Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
Jazz hands  Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
One final bow  Photo: Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan
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  • showgirls
  • florida follies
  • florida
  • style tribes
  • feather boas
  • dance
  • show business
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