Although the temperature outside Fountain View Village read in the low 80s, the opening tap dance routine by the Rio Rockettes was “Jingle Bell Rock.”

Emcee Joan Banholzer explained the unseasonal number by saying “It’s always Christmas in Rio Verde.” The Rio Rockettes followed with “42nd Street,” “Steam Heat,” “Ain’t She Sweet” and their finale, “New York, New York.”

Meet members of the Rio Rockettes: Joan Banholzer, Marianne Early, Sharolyn Erie, Kathy Fletcher, Patty Melvin, Gloria Hawk, Jayne Knighton, Renee Libuda, Carol Scheuing and Debbie Visconti.

The size of the tap troupe ranges from 10 to 12 members aged 60 to 85. Their instructor is Marie Campi of Scottsdale.

Tap dancing is a perfect outlet for senior women as the exercise fends off osteoporosis, improves balance and sharpens memory.

“I can’t play golf every day. I had to find another outlet,” said Banholzer.

She began tap dancing 20 years ago when she moved to Rio Verde.

The women practice as a group twice a week for a total of four hours. Some will borrow the music tapes to practice routines in their garages.

They limit their costume changes to Roaring Twenties’ flapper hair accessories, walking canes and hats. Their uniform is white shirts and black trousers.

At the age of three or four years old, Renee Libuda took tap lessons. Kathy Fletcher studied ballet. Carol Schueing loves various forms of dance, including line dancing.

Born with spinal bifida, Bandoleer said she never thought she would be dancing as a senior after knee replacement surgeries.

“It’s not the easiest thing to pick up,” said Bandoleer.

“I stick with it and keep on dancing. We have fun with one another.”

The group accepts invitations to perform at nursing homes and retirement villages and Rio Verde

For all the health benefits, dancing feeds their souls. The women dedicate themselves to the art of dance, expression and each other. New members are welcome.