Janette Hinton, a former counselor with a lifelong passion for movement, is proving that age is just a number through the infectious energy of dance. With the Stayin’ Alive Crew, Hinton and her fellow dancers are captivating audiences and challenging stereotypes about aging, all while celebrating the joy of “Stayin Alive Dance.” This dynamic dance troupe, composed of members over 50, is not just performing; they’re inspiring a movement.
Hinton’s journey into dance began somewhat unconventionally. Growing up in Sandy Springs, she was a gymnast alongside her twin sister, Josette. While Josette continued gymnastics into college, Janette’s path shifted after a broken arm in high school. Looking for a new physical outlet, she discovered jazz dance as a high school senior and was immediately hooked. This newfound passion led her to join dance classes at the University of Georgia, ultimately earning her a coveted spot in the UGA Dance Company.
Janette Hinton blends her love of choreography and dance with the Stayin’ Alive Crew.
Janette Hinton, choreographer and dancer, passionately engaged in a lively “stayin alive dance” routine with the Stayin’ Alive Crew.
Her ambition grew, and in 1983, Hinton auditioned for Six Flags Over Georgia, a renowned venue for large-scale dance productions at the time. Despite feeling out of her depth amongst dancers using ballet terminology, Hinton’s raw talent shone through. To her surprise, she was selected, embarking on a two-year stint at Six Flags followed by three years dancing on a cruise ship. While dance-related injuries eventually brought her back home, her connection to Six Flags continued as she transitioned into choreography. For a decade, even while pursuing a master’s degree, working as a school counselor for Fulton County Schools, and starting a family, Hinton balanced her life with her love for choreography.
JANETTE HINTON
Portrait of Janette Hinton, founder of Stayin’ Alive Crew, showcasing her energetic spirit and dedication to “stayin alive dance”.
As family and career demands increased, choreography took a backseat until, several years ago, Hinton and her sister Josette decided to reignite their dance passion. Inspired by a former Atlanta Hawks cheerleader who founded an over-50s dance troupe, they joined the group. However, after two years, management concerns prompted them to consider starting their own venture. This marked the inception of the Stayin’ Alive Crew five years ago, born from a desire to dance and a vision for a more fulfilling dance community.
Starting with just 12 members, Hinton leveraged her Six Flags connections to secure performances, including at the popular Fright Fest. The Stayin’ Alive Crew officially became a nonprofit, expanding their performances to diverse locations, from senior living facilities to State Farm Arena for Atlanta Hawks games. Last year alone, they delivered an impressive 58 shows and have now grown to 63 dancers, including men. While their repertoire spans various dance styles, hip hop resonates most strongly with audiences, especially younger viewers. The initial amusement of audiences quickly transforms into admiration as they witness the crew’s skillful and spirited “stayin alive dance” performances.
The members of the dance troupe have formed deep bonds of friendship.
Diverse group of Stayin’ Alive Crew members, exemplifying camaraderie and joy in “stayin alive dance” community.
The Stayin’ Alive Crew embraces their age, viewing it as a badge of honor. Hinton, now 60 and recently retired from her counseling career, dedicates her time to dancing and choreographing for the crew. She emphasizes the cognitive and physical benefits of dance, noting how it stimulates creativity and maintains an active lifestyle. Beyond rehearsals, members engage in activities like tennis and regular stretching, fostering a supportive and health-conscious community. The crew’s performances also serve a larger purpose, giving back to the community and forging deep friendships among members. For Hinton, the Stayin’ Alive Crew fills the void left by her counseling career, allowing her to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Their mission is clear: to shatter the myth that age is a limitation. The Stayin’ Alive Crew demonstrates that passion knows no age. They encourage individuals to pursue their passions and embrace every moment, rejecting the notion that life declines after 50. Through their “stayin alive dance” and infectious enthusiasm, they are redefining aging and spreading joy. Hinton’s attitude is simple yet powerful: keep moving forward, do what you love, and share that joy with the world.
STAYIN’ ALIVE CREW stayinalivecrew.wixsite.com/mysite @stayinalivecrew
As told to Amy Meadows PHOTOS: Erik Meadows
