Anxious to share the fun when she returned home, she offered to teach her walking buddies to line dance. Then "Indian Hills called and asked me to teach line dancing," which she did for several years.
Formed in 1986, the Dancin' Grannies occasionally entertained the residents of Albia nursing homes and the hospital extended care. Henderson rejected the suggestion that the group try out for the Restoration Follies, saying "Oh, no," and thinking. "who would want to watch old ladies dance?" Turns out, lots of people do. The Grannies have performed in the Restoration
Follies nearly every year since 1990.
Soon "people started calling, asking us to perform at celebrations, fairs, care centers, class reunions and other events," she said. The Grannies usually perform approximately 80 times each year. Last year they performed in 21 different Iowa towns and one location in Illinois.
The Grannies are frequent and welcome visitors in Albia care centers, as well as most Albia celebrations, tour buses that visit Albia, and "Lunch on the Square." In fact, the group is listed on many bus tour fliers said Henderson. They are also frequently scheduled in Knoxville and Oskaloosa.
The Grannies have their own colorful flier which includes several group photos. The group has received the Albia Area Chamber of Commerce Citizenship Award, eight times winners at the Iowa Fair Older Iowans Music Contest-dance division and the Purple Ribbon Overall
Winners in 2005 and 2007.
"One way to get younger is to join the Grannies. We average the ages," Henderson, 78, grinned, her eyes twinkling. The average age is 75 plus. Five members are over 80. Two are 84.
No performances are scheduled in January and February while the group concentrates on learning new songs and dances in two sessions per week. "The public doesn't want to see the same thing all the time," she smiled.
Henderson schedules performances, chooses the music and makes up the new chorography each year. To avoid confusion as to which of several costumes to wear Henderson makes and distributes neatly typed color coded schedule cards.
With occasional help from her daughter, Henderson designs and sews new outfits each year with matching earrings to add to the collection.
"The girls like something different," she said. "If I see something that turns me on, I get it."
Henderson is also president of UMW, secretary of Albia Women's Club and does "lots of hospital and nursing home visitation." Henderson learned many visitation skills while training for
Stephan's Ministry (minister's helper) which she was with for six years.
"I get more back all the time. I believe when God closes one door, he opens another but I never thought it would happen that way," she marveled. "We have so much fun. I see the Grannies more than I see some of the family," which includes three children, five grandchildren and three great-granchildren.
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