Art of Aging: Sixers Senior Dance Team

PHILADELPHIA -- Members of one very special dance team are doing their thing in front of 17,000 fans.

Meet the Sixers Senior Dance Team. The numbers on their jerseys reflect their age, and a few times a year, they take their routine from the basketball court at the Roxborough Y to Center Court at a Sixers game.

"And getting out in front of that crowd, it was absolutely fabulous. They really cheered us on," said Gwen Sebastian-Hill of Mount Airy.

This time last year, they were simply seniors taking Silver Sneakers aerobics classes at the Y. But then the Sixers dance coach came calling.

Erica Palmer, Group Exercise Instructor, Roxborough Y says, "She was interested in looking to form a seniors Sixers dance team, and they observed our class and basically told us you guys are what we're looking for."

The seniors' dancers performed at 4 games this season.

Rev. Dr. Bernice Baxter, 82-years-old, a member of the Harold Davis Memorial Baptist Church says, "It's been an amazing experience, somewhat intimidating at my age, but it's been very exciting."

The experience has brought them a touch of fame and so much more.

"We became such a close team supporting each other and learning about each other's families. It has been a fabulous experience," added Sebastian-Hill.

Melissa Russo, Advance Program Director, Roxborough Y says, "They glow every day they walk through the door and they're smiling and they're excited to be here, but it's a great cardio workout for them as well."

And, while most are women, there is a fella on the dance team.

Ted Hall, also known as Teddy B said, "When I told my wife I was dancing, she said I'm going to die, 'you're going to die on the court."

But Teddy B, who came to the Y to rehab after a hip replacement, is now a star of the showTeddy ripping pants off to reveal basketball shorts underneath.

He says, "I'm really energized, I really have a good time."

Scott Cusworth, Executive Director, Roxborough Y says, "They come to the Y together, they work out together, they sit in the lobby and drink tea and coffee together, they all look out for each other's best interest."

While you may not be able to dance with the senior Sixers, the Y has lots of classes to help seniors get fit.

You can find other programs for seniors in our Art of Aging section.