'The power of dance': Waukesha mayor proclaims July 3 'Dancing Grannies and 610 Stompers Day'

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Ahead of 4th of July festivities, two dancing groups received special recognition.

City of Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly proclaimed July 3, 2023 as "Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and 610 Stompers Day."

"This is just an extension of all of that love that we have felt," said Dancing Grannies member, Donna Kalik.

Mayor Reilly said his proclamation was to recognize their joy and resilience.

Here’s a little preview of the 610 Stompers ahead of the parade! pic.twitter.com/T34Q2nBys1

— Jenna Wells (@JennaWellsNEWS) July 3, 2023

"This is something that I think puts a smile on everyone's face," Reilly said.

The beloved Dancing Grannies have a newfound friendship with the 610 Stompers, a popular all-male dance group from New Orleans.

"We're so thankful for Waukesha, and for the entire Milwaukee area for welcoming us as family," said 610 Stompers member, Alfred Richard.

The Stompers have aided the Grannies in their healing, since they lost four members during the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade.

"We've had to work through a lot, but we're getting there. We're growing, we're getting stronger by the day," Kalik said.

"They are an inspiration to me, and to all of us," Richard said.

This year, the Dancing Grannies performed with the 610 Stompers at Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Now, the Stompers are joining the Grannies in events across Wisconsin, including Summerfest and several Independence Day parades.

Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and 610 Stompers Day comes just before both groups will dance in the Waukesha Independence Day parade.

"We're going to entertain people, we're going to make them smile, we're going to bring joy to this community. We're going to give back to this community," Kalik said.

With an official day in their name, the bond between the Stompers and the Grannies is stronger than ever.

"It's just that love. That love of watching them perform, them watching us perform. It's that power of dance," Richard said.

Waukesha's Independence Day parade starts July 4 at 11 a.m. on Main St., between Barstow and Maple.

Click here for more details on the parade.