By AMY DAVIS
The Progress
The Mesquite Toes 2020 Fall Spectacular, “Give My Regards to Broadway,” was held on Nov. 6-7 in the Mesquite Athletic and Leisure Department Park. It was the first time the “Toes” have been able to perform since December of 2019. The dancers didn’t miss a beat.
The Toes usually perform in the Performing Arts Theater. But due to COVID-19 social distancing rules, the audience was invited to bring chairs and masks to the park. More than 100 spectators turned out to enjoy the free event.
“It is a little windy today, ladies and gentlemen,” said Master of Ceremonies, Pericles Rellas, as he began the show. “And these ladies are wearing very short skirts.So if anything happens, I expect you to put a little extra money in the tip jar.”
Rellas entertained the crowd in between numbers telling jokes and providing information about each number.
“The Mesquite Toes have a mission to make a difference and to contribute to others,” Rellas said. “They love to contribute their time and their money. They love to create teamwork and health for all their members.”
Rellas pointed out that the performance was free, but donations are always welcome. He joked that “hundred dollars bills were the best way to contribute, but anything helps.”
Despite less than perfect weather, the Mesquite Toes treated the audience to dances, expertly choreographed and performed, to songs like “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You belong to me,” “Take me out to the Ball Game,” and “Greased Lightening.”
The Toes performed 12 dances in all. Guest performances included a song and dance routine to “Singing in the Rain” from young Maddie Steyee, who has been performing with the group since she was five.
Singer Linda Nelson dazzled the crowd with her vocal ability as she sang “You Belong to me” and “Under the Boardwalk.”
“It was so wonderful to be back on stage!” said instructor and choreographer Marge Westwood. “It was such a different experience to perform on a metal stage and to have no backstage curtain to hide behind as we left to change. It was so different, but good!”
The Mesquite-Toes strives to use dance practice and performance to promote the health and teamwork of team members.Westwood said that older people are often encouraged to do crossword puzzles or Sudoku to promote brain health. But dance can also help promote health, she said.
“Dance is also a major way to keep Alzheimer’s at bay because you always have to be thinking of what step comes next,” Westwood said.
The Mesquite Toes were thrilled to be able to resume what they love.
“We are so thankful to our audience who came out to support us,” Westwood said. “Everyone was so eager to perform and to be out and about again, and to have people appreciate our hard work.”
While Friday was slightly windy and overcast, Saturday’s performance saw a little bit of rain and a 20-degree temperature drop. But, as t the Mesquite Toes danced their hearts out, they proved that a little wind and rain wouldn’t ruin their parade.
