Shirley Hair’s moment in the spotlight came when she sprang from her wheelchair to dance alongside a Michael Jackson tribute artist at a Halloween party. At 87, the Alden Estates resident showed off moves that had the crowd cheering—and quickly made her a viral sensation among staff and residents.
That electrifying performance wasn’t a one-time event. Hair has been dancing her entire life, and her boundless energy continues to inspire those around her. From her childhood on Chicago’s South Side to her years as a beloved cafeteria worker, Hair’s rhythm has always been contagious.
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Hair says she remembers her love of music vividly.
Born Shirley Abenante, she was raised in an Italian household on 51st Street and St. Louis Avenue, along with her mother, Rose, and her four siblings: Louise, Sera, Michael, and Journey. As the middle child, Shirley believes her bubbly and rhythmic personality was shaped by her place in the family.
“I was always dancing around,” she said. “I just like to have fun and make people smile.”
After attending St. Gall School and graduating from Gage Park High School, Hair’s life changed at a New Year’s Eve party in December 1955 when she met James Hair.
“I met my husband, James, and we danced the night away,” she said.
The couple married in February 1956, when Hair was 19, and settled in Sauk Village, a small community in Cook County. There, they raised three children: Diane, Lenore, and William. Hair became active at St. James Church, joining the Moments of Memories (M.O.M.) parent theater group to raise money for the church and her children’s school.
“Oh, I loved it,” Hair recalled. “I always loved to dance, so this was perfect for me. I remember a particular performance that was so much fun called, ‘Heehaw.’”
Hair also worked as a cafeteria worker at Bloom Trail High School for 27 years, earning a reputation as a student favorite.
“We couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized,” said her daughter, Diane Hair of Chicago Heights. “We would be at the mall, and you would hear students shouting, ‘There’s my favorite lunch lady.’ Everyone just loved her.”
Hair’s husband passed away in 2008, but she reflects fondly on their life together. Today, she lives at Alden Estates of Orland Park, a 200-bed facility offering short-term rehabilitation, transitional care, and post-acute services. She moved there in 2021 and quickly became a favorite among residents and staff.
“When people think of nursing homes, they often tend to think of them stereotypically, with residents just lying in bed and not being very active,” Gina Ruiz, Alden Estates’ administrator, said. “But that is definitely not true. Our residents are incredibly social and active, especially Shirley. She’s always dancing, moving, and shaking. Whenever there’s music, she’ll be the first one out there starting the conga line.”
From birthday parties to holiday festivities, Hair is known for lighting up the dance floor—or creating her own in the dining room if needed. But it was her Halloween performance that solidified her celebrity status at Alden Estates.
During a party featuring Michael Jackson tribute artist Rico Hampton, Hair leapt from her wheelchair to join him on stage during his rendition of “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
“I was upstaged by a senior when she jumped out of the wheelchair to show him her moves,” Rico Hampton laughed.
The moment, captured by Tracilyn Cofield, Alden Estates’ activity director, became a highlight of the event.
“I love it when residents can be free and have fun and just be themselves,” Cofield said. “Shirley is a little celebrity here and knows how to get the party started.”
When asked about her favorite music, Hair struggled to choose.
“I can’t say that I have a favorite genre of music. I enjoy all music, but I really like Michael Jackson,” she said.
Hair’s enthusiasm for music and dance has inspired other residents to participate in activities, including some who had previously stayed away. Her positive attitude and boundless energy have made a lasting impact.
“Music is tied to memory; dancing is like anything else,” Hair said, “if you don’t use it, you lose it.”