KB Adorables and Men in Black celebrate 20th anniversary

Current and past members of the KB Adorables and Men in Black performance troupe recently gathered for a celebratory 20th anniversary dinner to toast their legacy of fitness, fun and friendship.

“We reminisced about so many different things,” said Rose Ann Hoof, a long-term troupe member. “It was a nice celebration.”

Director of Wellness and Resident Services Shareen Klasing who helped to plan the party, has been leading the troupe for several years with assistance from Lifestyle Director Leslie Grey-Lippold. Troupe members currently include Mary Therese Hester, Rose Ann Hoof, Pat Jahn, April Rinder, Joan Geary, Jack Foster, John Jacus and Steve Cox.

In the beginning, the troupe primarily hosted in-house performances at KBH that eventually grew to include local venues throughout Chicago and Illinois. Founding member Jane Foster recalls the group booking 4- to 5 gigs a month at area senior homes and organizations, schools, churches, meeting, and special events. More than 20 members would board a KBH bus filled with trunks of colorful costumes, props, and equipment. The group even coaxed their drivers to kick up their heels with the performances. For many in the troupe, this was their first experience dancing, singing and entertaining before large groups.

As word spread of the KB Adorables and Men in Black, they were invited to showcase their talents at national conferences in Denver, Nashville, San Antonio and Michigan. They also entertained at college sports games and on television. Intergenerational programs connected the troupe with local school children.

“We had a wonderful time,” Jane said. “There was so much camaraderie with all of us enjoying our friendship and time together - and sharing a love of fitness with the audiences.”

The group was officially launched in 2002 by retired KBH Fitness and Wellness Director Barbara Schafer, a former Jazzercize instructor and college music major. Barbara encouraged participants to combine “music with motion,” choreographing a long playlist of dance and fitness routines featuring themes relating to holidays, seasons, or popular tunes.

In 2016, Barbara was recognized with an Illinois Department on Aging Senior Hall of Fame award for creating the group and calling attention to the importance of senior fitness. She also received several state proclamations recognizing her efforts to encourage fitness at all stages of life.

Both Barbara and Shareen discovered many additional skills within the troupe. Seasoned musicians, such as guitarists and singers, have added their talents to the repertoires. Several humorists within the group enjoyed sharing funny stories and jokes between sets. And even shy and reticent members have gained confidence in addressing the audiences.

During the pandemic, the Adorables had to discontinue their rehearsals and performances but reconvened once fewer COVID cases were reported. Shareen hosts weekly classes and rehearsals, and members look forward to “hitting the road again” as they continue to recruit new members. Dance, movement, music, fitness, and new experiences will motivate the troupe for the next phase. Each member will be contributing their own star qualities to keep things interesting.

“We’re all so close,” Rose Ann said - even those who don’t dance with us anymore. “For all of us, the friendships we have made have been so important.”