Dancer Mary Mazetta still going strong at 92
 Mary Mazetta (Courtesy Coquettes)
Submitted by DONNA WENGER
At her age, most people would be taking it easy, but Mary Mazetta, 92, isn’t having any of that. She is the Director, Choreographer and a performer in the senior tap dance group, Coquettes & Company. The group can be seen performing at The South Florida Fair, as well as many Independent and Assisted Living Facilities, Community and Religious organizations throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. “I keep very busy”, says the petite, 4 foot- 9-inch powerhouse, who currently lives in Tequesta. You’ll often find her at the Friday night dances at the Moose Lodge in Palm Beach Gardens, or those at the Jupiter Rec Center. Mary, who is from Highland Park, Illinois, has been tapping since she was five years old and by the time she was 11, she was teaching the younger children in order to pay for her own lessons. By high school, she was cutting classes to do more teaching until she was found out and a quick stop was put to that! During the 40s through the 70s, Mazzetta, known as “Miss Mary,” was a fixture of the City of Highwood, IL. She taught dance – usually tap and jazz, later adding ballet – to hundreds of girls (and some boys) in the city’s recreation center and organized performances for the community. It was apparent that she made an impact on several generations, all this while raising three sons and a daughter of her own. In the mid-1970s, Mary came to the Sunshine State with her late husband Peter, a Head Golf Professional, but kept up teaching dance. “I call her the Energizer Bunny,” said son Tom Mazzetta, father of her triplet grandsons. One of the highlights of her time teaching dance in Highwood was when star Danny Thomas stopped by while in town to promote his charity. “I’ll never forget that. After the recital he bent down and kissed me on the cheek,” said Mazzetta. When asked if she had any longevity advice to give, Mazzetta said, “The secret is don’t stop exercising and don’t stop moving. Never stop moving.” Her favorite dance of all time? “The Charleston,” she said. “And yes, I can still do it.” |
The secret to a long life? "Never stop moving" (Coquettes)
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The Coquettes at the 2016 South Florida Fair
Update: 12.23.2015
December 22 -- Santa Claus made a surprise visit to the "Christmas Cabaret" presented by The Coquettes a senior dance troupe located in North Palm Beach. The free performance for the Community was at Osborne Park Recreation Center on Prosperity Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of The Coquettes)
AT THE STATE FAIR -- January 20 and January 27 at 3 pm the Coquettes & Co. (North Palm Beach Senior Dance Troupe ) will perform at the South Florida Fairgrounds at 9067 Southern Blvd.
Seniors tap their toes in North Palm
 Betty Schranck - 96 and going strong
Recently, I entered the rehearsal area for the dance troupe, The Coquettes, in North Palm Beach, and almost the first thing I heard someone say was..."...go on with the show."
At a recent performance one of the dancers, Mary Mazzetta, had taken a tumble (thankfully, she said she is sore, but okay) when the sole of her ballet slipper didn't move when she did. After meeting and speaking with some of these talented ladies, I have no doubt going on with the show is not simply a slogan they say to each other in rehearsals. The Coquettes & Company is a senior dance group with ages ranging from 55 to 96 (yes, 96), and the ladies are currently in the midst of rehearsals for a number of holiday performances. After rehearsal, a few of the ladies sat down with me, and their enthusiasm for performing bubbled forth. Entertaining audiences at a number of facilities in the area, almost year-round, the group is joined each week by guest singers and musicians. Last year, they performed in over 30 events. Sounds tiring, but Director Mary Mazzetta made sure to let me know about one member -- Betty Schranck -- who is 96 years old. One look at Betty and I did not believe it. After a two-hour rehearsal, her posture, hair and make-up were impeccable. Not to mention she was an absolute delight to meet. When I asked her how long she had been dancing, she said, "Pretty much all my life." I'd say that speaks pretty highly of the benefits of dance. Some of this non-profit troupe have taken on more than dance steps. They also handle pertinent business duties. Mary Mazetta-Director/Choreographer Nancy Chandler-Bookings (taphappylive1@live.com) Donna Wenger-Public Relations (donnatapdancer@gmail.com) Chris Cook-Membership Donna Wenger handles the public relations for the group, but when I learned she also does lip-synch to such songs as, "Hello, Dolly," I knew I was going to do my best to attend one of their upcoming performances. You can catch Donna, Mary, Nancy, Betty, Chris and all the ladies, for their Christmas Cabaret, on Tuesday, December 22, 10:00 a.m., Osborne Park, North Palm Beach. It is free and wheelchair accessible. Call 561-841-3386 to RSVP. Oh, if you are 55 and up, and have an interest in joining them, they welcome you, but having a little bit of tap experience really helps. A lot. Brava, ladies. You rock! |
Christmas Cabaret |