The Gingersnaps was started in the fall of 1989. The group started as a tap and jazz class with exercise being our primary purpose. Requests for performances started coming in almost immediately and the group was very well received by the audiences. It has developed into a performing arts group featuring singing, dancing and comedy. One unique thing about the Gingersnaps is that we take our perfor
mances to the audience rather than have the audience come to us. We owe our formation to the vision of Jo Gehl who performed with us through her 97th year and encouraged all of us to take our "shows" to the nursing homes and other places where people need encouragement and entertainment. In 1990, we did 11 performances and entertained 1,179 people. We were nominated for the Columbus Dispatch's Community Service Award for 1992 and were honored in the group division as a finalist. By 1993 our performances had increased to 65 shows and we appeared before approximately 17,000 people. Growth continued in 1994 when we performed 75 shows and appeared before approximately 27,000 people. June 1, 2004 we performed our 1000th show. Through the years we have performed to approximately 135,000 people. Our performances have taken us to senior centers, retirement villages, health care facilities, Senior Expo, churches, festivals, state and community functions, and lodges. In recognition for outstanding charity contribution to the community the Gingersnaps received the 1998 J. Penney’s Golden Rule Award. In 2001 the Gingersnaps were chosen by RSVP/First Link for their Volunteer of The Year Award. In January, 2002 the Gingersnaps competed for the first time with entrants from all over the USA in the All American Dance Competition and were awarded second place for dance excellence. We try to tailor each show for the occasion and the facility where we are performing. There is no charge for our performances, however we do accept donations. It is a wonderful group of people who thoroughly enjoy performing and give freely of their time and talent. The Gingersnaps are an inspiration for seniors everywhere and show by example just when life really does begin.
