Doris R., 89, from Brookdale Richmond Place in Lexington, Kentucky, has always loved to sing and dance. Growing up, Doris’ family could not afford dance lessons, so Doris would watch the famous Rockettes on TV. Ever since then, Doris has wanted dance with and be a Rockette. About 20 years ago, Doris took a tap dance lesson with her friends. Doris had a wonderful time in her leotard, giggling and trying to keep up with the dance instructor. Doris wanted to continue to pursue her passion for dance, and fulfill her lifelong dream of dancing with and seeing the Rockettes perform.
Although Doris is dedicated to dancing, she has also dedicated over 21,000 hours volunteering at Kings Daughter Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky. She enjoyed working in the medical center’s gift shop, at the front desk and in the library for 29 years. Doris also volunteered at her church for about 20 years. At church, Doris enjoyed making holiday baskets and teaching Sunday School.
Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were excited to send Doris and her daughter, Susan, to New York from December 7 through December 9 to participate in the Rockettes 101 program. On December 8, Doris and Susan danced in a one hour long class lead by a Rockette, and learned choreography from the Christmas Spectacular. After the class. Doris and Susan attended the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular show. Susan said “I think even with all the glitz and glamour her favorite thing was talking to the Rockettes in person.” Doris was thrilled to finally live out her dream and “show others that they are never too old to learn something new, have fun, enjoy life, and not be afraid to try.”
Photo credit: Karen Obrist, Karen Obrist Photography
