The Hadley Park Dancers were formed in 2008. The group was organized by Pat Patterson and Jo-Ann Davis. Ms. Patterson is deceased, but Davis still dances with the group.
Today the dancers are under the leadership of Sharon Jarrett, who is a former athlete from Tennessee State University. Jarrett is also a two-time cancer survivor.
“I took the position of instructor of the Hadley Park Dancers in 2014,” said Jarret. “At that time there were approximately 90 dancers, and today that number is approximately 176.
“My vision is to utilize dance as a platform to encourage senior citizens and others to engage in movement towards a healthier lifestyle.”
When Jarrett started as an instructor, the scheduled time for classes was on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 11 am, but as the program progressed she saw the need to increase the scheduled time to include Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 pm.
Robert Burton and James Boyd are also lead instructors in the program.
“It is a pleasure to be a part of the Hadley Dancers,” said Burton.
“We are a diverse group of individuals who perform together and volunteer our time and talents to entertain and educate through the art form of line dancing,” said Boyd.
“We are a non-profit group and we perform upon request,” Jarrett said. “We have had the opportunity to perform at several places and events throughout the city such as churches, special events, clubs, hospitals and festivals. We have partnerships with many other organizations such as the Rochelle Center and the Magdalen Domestic Violence Center. They send individuals to dance with our groups. This provides therapy and group participation for these individuals, and I am glad for these positive networks.”
The dances have received support from state Sen. Brenda Gilmore, former Mayor David Briley, Councilwoman Sharon Hurt, Keva, Inc., and many other networks.
“We will be coordinating and creating a line dance for an upcoming country music song release, and the Hadley Park Dancers are excited for this opportunity,” said Jarrett.
For more information on HPLD, it’s class times or bookings, email <hadleyparklinedancers@gmail.com>, or see Facebook at <www.facebook.com/HPLDancers>.
