A Senior You Should Know – Jeanette Jackson
If you’ve been to some of our recent Senior Dance Parties, chances are, you’ve seen Jeanette Jackson on the dance floor. Greeting everyone she meets with a big smile and an open heart, Miss Jackson is the life of the party and brings a light, fun-loving energy to every moment she can. Jeanette has become a prominent figure on the dance floor of many of these dances, attending parties in both DuPage and Kane county.
We sat down with Jeanette and learned a bit more about who she is and what makes her the bright spirit seen on the dance floor.
A Free Spirit
Jeanette grew up in the Cabrini-Green area in Chicago back in the 50s. As the fourth of seven siblings, she tells us she had a wonderful childhood. She describes herself as a“very simplistic person,” and says she always aims to give back what she has received. Miss Jackson says her parents “instilled in us to be who we are, to express ourselves”. Seeing Jeanette at the dance parties, it is clear that this is true. She is a free-spirit, unafraid to be herself and to express herself through her words and through her dancing. Jeanette has always been a lover of dancing. In her words, she can have a party all by herself and will have a great time.
“No shame in my game,” she says.
The Life of Every Party
Jeanette has become the source of light and enjoyment to many dance goers. While out on the dance floor, she is often approached by others who want her to teach them her dance moves. Her advice to them is to “Just dance and have fun. Because you’re not gonna do it like I do it. Just dance and have fun and enjoy the moment.” While spending time around Jeanette, multiple other dance goers approached her to ask her how she’s been or why they hadn’t seen her at the previous dance party, evidence that the relationship between the seniors attending the dances has grown into a vibrant community. Jeanette says that one of the main reasons she continues to come to the dances is because of the people. “I meet all sorts and kinds [of people],” she says. “And the next time I come out, they remember me. I remember them. Can’t remember names, but our faces ‘cause our hearts are there. We look forward to this outing that we have.”
The way people gravitate towards Jeanette is a testament to the kind of person she is. Her magnetic personality is contagious to the people around her, encouraging other dance goers to loosen up and have a great time.
The dance parties have become a way for many seniors to find new connections with people they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to. Jeanette makes a point to continuously express gratitude to everyone involved in making these opportunities possible. “Thank you all for being here,” she says. “Opening your hearts, your minds and your spirits. Giving a place for we the people who sometimes don’t have anywhere to go. We look forward to this time that we can come out and socialize and be free and just have a wonderful time.”
