Brooksby Village Goes Dancing With the Stars

Residents at Brooksby Village didn't have to travel far for entertainment Thursday afternoon.

Seniors and Brooksby Village staff - 21 in all - performed many genres in "Dancing with the Brooksby Stars," including rock n roll, the tango, rhumba, tai chi, ballroom-themed waltz/fox trot, Latino-inspired zumba, and the jitterbug.

Peter Chevoor, who has lived at Brooksby Village since July 1, performed the rhumba, dancing to "Begin the Beguine," and jitterbug, grooving to "Take the A Train" -- both with his dance partner, Simone Roy.

He moved to Massachusetts from Florida after 27 years to be closer to his family and in-laws when his wife passed away last summer.

"Everything is available here. We are the second largest taxpayers in Peabody. Simon Malls is the first," he explained, "I also dance at the senior center in Peabody. I enjoy dancing, and I've known my partner for quite a while."

Admission was $5, and all money raised will go towards The Benevolent Care Fund, which helps seniors financially to live in Renaissance Gardens at Brooksby Village.

According to Dani G. Baldassare, public affairs manager at Brooksby Village, the Benevolent Care Fund provides support to residents who, despite careful planning, outlive their financial resources. She said the fund enables residents to remain at Brooksby Village, knowing they will always receive the care they deserve.

Last year, $2,500 was raised, and this is the third year this event was held.

Baldassare noted that $2,500 was also raised this year. There is also another show Sunday, May 1, from 1-3 p.m., for friends and family. About 100 seniors attended Thursday's performance.

Baldassare added that raffles and an annual gala benefit the Care Fund. Cost of housing depends upon the living ammenities, including bedroom size.

Natalie Goodwin, a resident of Brooksby for 3 1/2 years, danced to "I've Heard That Song Before," with her dance partner, Jim Shuttleworth.

"There's a lot of new additions from last year: 10 more dancers, better communication, a disco ball, and more lights. Last year also had a cruise theme," Goodwin said.

She and the other dancers practiced with Lisa Kirshon, fitness specialist at Brooksby Village, for two months.

Kirshon taught group choreography while the couples learned their dance routine individually. Goodwin said they also choose their song and dance category on their own.

"This isn't a competition. This demonstrates showmanship and pure physical endurance," Kirshon, who performed tai chi and zumba, pointed out.

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