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Dancing with the Walkers Feature Image

Dancing with the Walkers


The Crowd

On Wednesday, November 16, we learned there is a new dance craze sweeping the community: Dancing with Walkers.

The Maxis Community Room was at full capacity as an audience watched in rapt attention as Janet Sullivan, IHM, 96 years young performed a dance as an Irish scullery maid; Patrice Selby, IHM, scored high marks with her Skater’s Waltz. We visited the Middle East and felt the desert heat as Rosemary Sam, IHM, 84 did a Lebanese dance. Sister Diane McCormick, at 83 gave us A Little Country Town in Ireland, and Irene Waypa, performed Swinging on a Star. Each dancer was fully costumed in the theme of their chosen dance. The “Walkerettes” danced between contestants in hula skirts, leis, Hawaiian shirts, and floral headbands.


The contestants

Rosemary Sam, IHM
Patrice Selby, IHM
Janet Sullivan, IHM
Irene Waypa
Diane McCormick, IHM

Fun and laughter abounded as we saw a diverse display of talent. This event was the brainchild of Sister Jannita Complo the founder of Dramakinetics. A movement therapy activity that incorporates motion of all kinds to suggest thought, emotion and rhythm. Sister Janita gave a demonstration to illustrate the concept before the competition began.

The Walkerettes

An astute panel of judges, with great debate, compiled the results. Rosemary Sam emerged as the prize winner. Our Judges were: Monica Tylinski, General Secretary of Leadership; Gail Suich, Resident Services manager and Sister Nancy Sylvester, Founder/President of the Institute for Communal Contemplation.

In addition to the contestants, there were volunteer performers plucked from Motherhouse staff: Wendy Buer (housekeeping) sang Patsy Kline’s Crazy.  Dennis (transportation) and his wife Jamie Clevenger sang a duet “You and I.” Sister Angela Therese danced a Chaldean folk dance.  Both audience and performers enjoyed the production immensely.


Dennis and Jamie Clevenger
Angela Therese, IHM

Sister Jannita, IHM

Special thanks to Jannita Complo, IHM, the brainchild of
Dancing with Walkers.