The return of the Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day parade meant the city is turning a page, but for one of the dance groups it marked an entirely new chapter.”We’re going to survive and we’re going to do this,” said Jean Knudson, a member of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies. “Everyone is just keeping us going and keeping us motivated to keep moving forward.”Three members and a volunteer with the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies died in the Waukesha Christmas Parade attack nearly four months ago.The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day parade marked the first time the group performed in a parade since the attack.Since then, the surviving members brought on nearly 20 new “Grannies in Training.”“I just feel really proud to be able to walk along with them,” said Judy Brunette, one of the women joining the group.Before the St. Patrick’s Day parade started, the group met for a special toast to those they lost.They were joined by Dave Sorenson, the husband of Ginny Sorenson who died at the Christmas parade.“She’d be proud of the whole group, very proud,” Sorenson told 12 News. “It’s tough, it’s tough losing her but I’m sure she’s happy and maybe she’s dancing with Jackson… She’s teaching him how to dance now in heaven with the other Dancing Grannies.” Sorenson was referring to Jackson Sparks, an 8-year-old boy also killed in the Waukesha parade attack.“Ginny’s favorite saying was ‘angels watch over you’ whenever we part company with somebody,” he said.So with a toast, a deep breath and the guardian angels nearby the Grannies performed once again.They were met with smiles, signs and spirit amongst the cheering crowd.”We did it and had fun,” said member Sharon Millard.Ginny Sorenson choreographed two of the Irish routines. She never got to see them perform publicly, but two of her granddaughters made sure to keep her close.They held the banner in front during the parade and wore necklaces with her ashes around their necks. “To actually perform it in front of people is really nice,” said Millard.The Dancing Grannies will perform on March 19 in the Racine St. Patrick’s Day parade next.
MILWAUKEE —
The return of the Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day parade meant the city is turning a page, but for one of the dance groups it marked an entirely new chapter.
“We’re going to survive and we’re going to do this,” said Jean Knudson, a member of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies. “Everyone is just keeping us going and keeping us motivated to keep moving forward.”
Three members and a volunteer with the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies died in the Waukesha Christmas Parade attack nearly four months ago.
The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day parade marked the first time the group performed in a parade since the attack.
Since then, the surviving members brought on nearly 20 new “Grannies in Training.”
“I just feel really proud to be able to walk along with them,” said Judy Brunette, one of the women joining the group.
Before the St. Patrick’s Day parade started, the group met for a special toast to those they lost.
They were joined by Dave Sorenson, the husband of Ginny Sorenson who died at the Christmas parade.
“She’d be proud of the whole group, very proud,” Sorenson told 12 News. “It’s tough, it’s tough losing her but I’m sure she’s happy and maybe she’s dancing with Jackson… She’s teaching him how to dance now in heaven with the other Dancing Grannies.”
Sorenson was referring to Jackson Sparks, an 8-year-old boy also killed in the Waukesha parade attack.
“Ginny’s favorite saying was ‘angels watch over you’ whenever we part company with somebody,” he said.
So with a toast, a deep breath and the guardian angels nearby the Grannies performed once again.
They were met with smiles, signs and spirit amongst the cheering crowd.
“We did it and had fun,” said member Sharon Millard.
Ginny Sorenson choreographed two of the Irish routines. She never got to see them perform publicly, but two of her granddaughters made sure to keep her close.
They held the banner in front during the parade and wore necklaces with her ashes around their necks.
“To actually perform it in front of people is really nice,” said Millard.
The Dancing Grannies will perform on March 19 in the Racine St. Patrick’s Day parade next.
