by Joseph H. RADDER
The New Sensational Seniors, Inc., personifies the “Forever Young” attitude.
This musical troupe—comprised of talented seniors ranging in age from 50 to
85—performs for other groups, organizations, facilities and the general public.
Through singing, dancing and acting the New Sensational Seniors provide the inspiration
for other seniors to discover their own personal creative outlets.
Director/Choreographer Sandy Callahan formed the New Sensational Seniors
in 1995 after leading the Tonawanda Fitness and Dance Program for six years. Some of the
performers are seasoned veterans, while for others the experience is altogether new. These
vocalists and dancers hail from Canada to Varysburg (in Wyoming County) and get together
at least once a week to rehearse at Dawn Marie’s Dance Studio on Elmwood Avenue.
The University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, Riviera Theatre, Albright
Knox Art Gallery and Gowanda Hollywood Theatre are a few of the venues that have played
host to the New Sensational Seniors performances. Recently, in November, the New
Sensational Seniors presented the revue “Stepping Out - A Tribute to Fred Astaire and
Gene Kelly” at the Lancaster Opera House. Shows are mainly tap, but more lyric and
jazz numbers have been added lately.
Joseph H. Radder is a freelance writer.