Dancing grannies and "great big knockers" were to the fore at a barn dance held in the RSA function room on Tuesday. More than 100 elderly country music enthusiasts from Cedar Manor and Greerton Villages as well as BUPA employees had a barnstorming time at the dance that was part
of the BUPA Global Challenge. Most were 80 years old or older.
Country entertainer Phyllis Tantrum (83) impersonated Dolly Parton for the gathering and was backed by the Papamoa Country Music Club Country Band. "Dolly can be a little bit raunchy but nothing crude," she said of her act. As Dolly, Phyllis sang Great Big Knockers - featuring lyrics such as "When she takes her nightie off, they hang down to her knees" - but offered assurances that the fullness of her breasts on the day was due to rubber stuffing. Heart rates were racing as Dolly made her rounds, embracing many of the male contingent in the audience.
Those who were willing were encouraged to get up and move in between acts and those that were able did. The Tauranga City Line Dancers performed a few dances and even taught one to a selection from the crowd who picked up the steps without a problem.
Ninety-two-year-old Monteith Allen danced a fox trot and said he had "a wonderful time". Monteith was fortunate enough to receive a hug from Dolly Parton who he called "a character". BUPA runs retirement villages and has a Global Challenge every two years and this year's challenge has been Shall We Dance, which aims to encourage healthy minds and bodies through music and movement.
