Rocket and Rockettes senior dance group schedules a busy December
By Kelly Velocci, Special Writer
The Hillsborough Rocket and Rockettes are spreading holiday cheer throughout December with six festive dance performances in Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville and Somerset.
Ranging in age from 65 to 96, age is just a number for the energetic and spirited group.
Each dance routine is performed to classic holiday song, such as “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Silver Bells,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “March of the Wooden Soldiers.”
Outfitted in green or red sequined vests, depending on the routine, the group uses props that include reindeer antlers, jingle bells and plastic candy cane sticks.
The township program recently celebrated its 20th anniversary under longtime instructor Gloria Padgett.
”They work so hard,” she said. The group practices for two hours every Tuesday year round.
”We are so proud to represent Hillsborough,” she said.
The group’s oldest member, Mary Buckshaw, said the Rockettes help “keep me going.”
”As long as I’m able to do it, and keep people happy, it makes me feel good,” she said.
Rose Profita, Ms. Buckshaw’s dance partner, joined the Rockettes eight years ago for more exercise after suffering from a stroke.
Ms. Profita said she enjoys performing for fellow seniors because it brings them joy and reminds her how fortunate she is to be able to still dance.
The group’s newest member, a recent retiree, Ellen Stanislaski, said joining the Rockettes has helped her transition into retirement. “They welcomed me and were very supportive,” she said.
Longtime member Sandy Bolink said the Rockettes gives her something to do. Her husband, Matt Bolink, the sole male member, joined the group shortly after his wife nearly 20 years ago.
The couple has a special part in the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer routine. Mr. Bolink dresses up as Santa Claus and Mrs. Bolink plays Rudolph. She prances in front of the dancers wearing a red nose.
The Rocket and Rockettes perform signature routines such as “New York, New York” throughout the year at senior citizen facilities and nursing homes. “We always invite the seniors up to dance,” said Ms. Padgett.
The group also stages a float in the township’s annual Memorial Day Parade and the John Basilone Parade in Raritan.
”You’re never too old to dance,” said Ms. Padgett.