For members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies (a local troupe for grandmothers), the parade stirred up painful memories of three of its members being killed in a performance in Waukesha.
“There was anxiety because people weren’t sure how they would react. Jan Kwiatkowski (one of the Dancing Grannies’ coleaders) said that everyone was determined to participate in this parade. “It was all emotions, from anxiety to nervousness and joy to elation; it was the entire continuum of emotions.”
Six people were killed and at most 62 injured when an SUV driver crashed into a crowd at the annual parade, Nov. 21, 2021.
Tamara Durand (52), LeAnna Owen (71), and Virginia “Ginny” Sorenson (79) were among those who were killed. William Hospel (81), the husband of another Grannie, also succumbed to the attack. Two other victims were also killed in the attack: Jane Kulich, 52, and Jackson Sparks (Eighteen).
The Dancing Grannies, who survived the November loss of their group members, said that they were not going to allow the trauma to stop them from performing.
Kwiatkowski stated that “[N]obody, even the Grannies, knew exactly what it would [feel] at that time.” We had discussed how we could support one another through this as a group. There was also the joy in just dancing again together and saying, “We are back, we are going to accomplish this and we will get through.”
It’s not just about exercise for older women
Dancing Grannies was founded in 1984 as a jazz exercise class during a time when aerobics was growing in popularity due to workout videos and instructional programs.
The Grannies have been a popular dancing group since then. They perform in approximately 25 parades every year and travel across Wisconsin.
Kwiatkowski said that it took until after the first parade performance of the group showcasing aerobics classes for women over 50 for Grannies to receive more requests for parade participation.
“People liked it. She said that they thought it was cool.
They pay tribute to the fallen
The performance of the group on March 12 was a tribute to the four Grannies who were killed in Waukesha.
They wore patches with the number 4 embroidered on their jackets, as well as wristbands that said “Granny Strong.”
A toast with homemade Bailey’s is a long-standing tradition prior to any parade performance. The Grannies also honored the four lost members. Ginny’s husband Dave Sorenson joined the group.
Kwiatkowski stated that “He came and wished our well and said that Ginny would feel proud.”
The Grannies performed many dances during the parade — two of them were choreographed and led by Ginny who was also the group’s leader before her death.
Kwiatkowski stated that she was proud of the performances, but we didn’t get to perform them due to COVID.
“This was our first performance of them, and it was like ‘Ginny’ we were going to make you proud. She added, “I think we did.”
Grannies are gaining popularity
The Grannies received support from all over the U.S. following the Waukesha tragedy of November last year. This was something that the group felt very grateful for.
“It’s been amazing to see how people from all walks of the country have connected with us, sending messages on Facebook or sending support cards. Kwiatkowski stated that it was amazing for people to take the time and do this.
The surviving members of the group recruited 22 grandmothers or “Grannies In Training” since the parade attack last January.
Judy Brunette, one Grannies in Training, said that she felt proud to walk alongside them.
Kwiatkowski stated that enrollment for Grannies in Training is so popular, there is a waitlist of almost 30 people.
She said, “We’re still figuring out how to get this second cohort started. We’ve never had so many people [to join] at once.”
The group was also invited to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as well as Mardi Gras.
Kwiatkowski stated that the memory of their fallen friends will always be with them.
“There are many people out there who have been through some very difficult times. He added that healing is possible and it is an important message to convey.
