The Silver Moon Gypsies are a “senior” belly dance group made up of five women, ages 70-91 years old. These ladies fully believe that having fun and staying active is for everyone, despite age or ability. The Gypsies are committed to sharing that message and spreading joy through their belly dance performances to people at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and charity events around the Massachusetts area.
Anna Connors (center), 70 and the youngest member of the group, dances with the Silver Moon Gypsies at Concord Park Assisted Living in Concord, Massachusetts on March 26, 2024.
Gypsy Phillips (left), 85 and founder of the Silver Moon Gypsies, and Anna Connors (right), 70, laugh as Anna holds up a decorated bra in her house in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. The Gypsies make their own costumes to perform in with materials they thrift together.
Members of the Silver Moon Gypsies get ready in a storage room before their performance at the Shrewsbury Senior Center in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. The Gypsies coordinate costumes for their group dances, but add individual flair to their solo outfits — including a chicken head for one of the dancers.
Anna Connors (left), 70 and living with Multiple Sclerosis, and Gypsy Phillips (right), 85, thrift shop together at Savers in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. Anna has a special walking bike to help her move around while living with MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system.
Anna Connors, 70 and living with Multiple Sclerosis, puts on the medical device before her performance with the Silver Moon Gypsies at the Shrewsbury Senior Center in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. This device along with an ankle brace allow her to dance with the Gypsies.
Anna Connors (left), 70 and living with Multiple Sclerosis, and Gypsy Phillips (right), 85, thrift shop together at Savers in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. Anna has a special walking bike to help her move around while living with MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system.
Louise Russell (left) speaks with Norma “Jasmine” Guimantaro (right), 91, after her performance with the Silver Moon Gypsies at the Shrewsbury Senior Center in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. Norma’s stage name is “Jasmine” because she claims no belly dancer would be named Norma. She is the oldest member of the Gypsies and many people spoke with her after the show to thank her for the inspiration she instills in others, especially having just returned from a pacemaker surgery.
The Silver Moon Gypsies dance at Concord Park Assisted Living in Concord, Massachusetts on March 26, 2024. They perform a series of group dances before then showcasing their solo routines.
Gypsy Phillips (left), 85 and founder of the Silver Moon Gypsies, and Anna Connors (right), 70, eat lunch as they sift through fabrics and accessories at Anna’s house in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. They make their own costumes to perform in with materials they thrift together.
Norma “Jasmine” Guimantaro (left), 91, rests for a moment after her performance with the Silver Moon Gypsies, including Anna Connors (right), 70, at the Shrewsbury Senior Center in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 8, 2024. Norma said she was not feeling well that day and was quite tired after the performance, having just returned from a pacemaker surgery. “I know how to fake it till I make it,” Norma said with a smile while walking back to the changing room after performing her solo.