Movement is the key: Forever on the go, Larry and Shirley Hackmann bring smiles to countless faces through dance

Calling Larry and Shirley Hackmann anything but amazing would fail to accurately describe the forever-upbeat Washington, Illinois, couple. 

Yet that is just what Hackmann’s are. 

Amazing. 

Both are humble, deeply dedicated to their faith, each other, and their respective families. They are so in tune after five-plus decades of marriage; they often finish each other’s sentences. 

They are gracious, willing to share their incredible mission and treasure-filled travels, yet unpretentious about the positive and uplifting impact they have had on the lives of thousands from all walks and ages. 

And they are funny, vibrant, festive-spirited, oftentimes sweat-soaked, creative to a fault and community minded.

“Larry and his wife are living examples of Making Better Communities,’’ said Amy Johnson, PT, OCS, COMT, Clinic Manager at Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Washington, Il-based clinic. 

“I have followed both Larry and Shirley multiple times over the years for a range of orthopedic conditions,’’ said Johnson, while noting the Hackmann's, ages 82, and 79 respectively, are wonderful examples of the importance and the many positives of movement no matter what one’s age might be. 

“At one point, I even had Shirley follow with Lacey Neal (PT, DPT, clinic manager/Rock Valley Canton, Il.) to manage a women’s health issue,’’ added the ever compassionate and knowledgeable Johnson. “I would wager that Larry and Shirley have outlasted all of Rock Valley's EMR (electronic medical record) changes over the past 15 years.’’ 

Recently, Johnson followed Larry Hackmann due to a sudden onset of left shoulder pain.  Under her gifted care, Hackmann responded nicely to physical therapy, and now Johnson and Hackmann are outlining an overall fitness program targeted at strengthening, balance, and proprioception. 

“When things pop up for us, we always say that ‘it’s time to see Amy,” Larry Hackmann said as Shirley – in step with her husband – echoed those feelings. “She is wonderful, always has a plan for us and cares about what we think. She is thorough, she is smart and she explains everything to us so that we can do something about the problem while not in the clinic. We are so lucky to have her here. The community is lucky to have Amy.’’ 

Like all Rock Valley therapists, Johnson would prefer Larry and Shirley to have no issues that require therapy, but if something arises, she welcomes – and looks forward to – helping the Hackmann's get better. 

“Larry, for instance, is a great example of therapy done right,’’ Johnson said. “He is proactive in his approach to seeking care. Call it the pre-care before he even sets foot in the clinic. He takes this approach to every treatment session often presenting with a list of questions. We always carve out time to work on his list of questions. As far as compliance, he is one of the most compliant patients I have ever worked with.’’ 

Though they downplay their notoriety, the Hackmann’s are known across the country, especially the Midwest, for their ability to dance and their outgoing and upbeat nature. Their brightly colored, unique period-related, perfect-for-the-setting costumes they boast at each appearance appeal to all they encounter. 

“We enjoy being a part of what we do,’’ Shirley Hackmann said. “It keeps us moving and involved. And people are so receptive to what we are doing.’’ 

As part of the Central Illinois Civil War Dance Society, the Hackmann’s have entertained hundreds of parade crowds across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. 

They have danced and wowed countless returning Central Illinois Honor Flights, unselfishly danced at numerous nursing homes and Civil War-themed and Abraham Lincoln-tribute affairs in Metamora and Springfield, Il., respectively, and have danced inside the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis. 

They have taken by storm, teenage and senior citizen proms from as far away as Jefferson, Mo., at various German-themed festivals and at the famous intra-state St. Patrick’s Parade that begins in Rock Island, Il., and ends in Davenport, Iowa. 

Each has authored their unique and inspiring autobiography, while a Hackmann-led photo and feature story was voted the fourth best story of the year by the news writers as printed on the front page of the Jefferson City (Mo.) News Tribune. 

They have traveled to – at the request of organizers and performed – in themed costume – at places like Manassas, Virginia (famous for the Bull Run battle), Gettysburg, Penn., and Washington, D.C. 

Recently, the two performed the Sleeping Beauty Waltz before two full-house crowds of 500 in conjunction with the Normal (Illinois) High School Orchestra, joining the 80 members of the orchestra to bring joy to the combined 1,000 showgoers. 

“My goodness, we had our own dressing room,’’ Larry Hackmann said, noting Shirley’s gown for the night was purchased after the two participated in the Morton, Il. Pumpkin Parade several years prior. 

“And they created a stage for us to dance, an 8-foot x 12-foot platform, and had two bouncers there to make sure if we danced off the platform there was someone there to catch us. It was a great night. Then we were taken for dinner at a later date.’’ 

Larry and Shirley’s intense quest for movement later in life were born out of tragedy. 

In 2004, Larry Hackmann was involved in a car accident, when a drunk driver crossed the center line and hit their PT Cruiser. The accident did severe damage to Larry Hackmann's foot, ankle, and chest. He endured eight surgeries, had several plates and screws inserted in his left ankle and foot, and endured months of heel issues. After 18 months of recovery for Larry, they decided to dance. 

From there, their love of history, movement, and a desire to make people smile took over. 

It has been an entertaining whirlwind ever since. 

Their entertaining impact has been felt across the heart of America. They are in demand, and they always catch the crowd’s attention – through costume and mastery of each dance – when they are on stage. More importantly, The Hackmann's are there when called upon. 

“They are always willing to share their talents and joy with the community,’’ Johnson said of the two, noting Larry and Shirley possess a strong sense of unity with their family and that she always looks forward to seeing Shirley post the photo evidence on Facebook of their annual family cookie bake. 

“Back in the day when I ran Arts Day at a local primary school, the school band had a conflict and could not perform during their time slot for the planned day,’’ Johnson added. “This left me with a hole in the day's activities. Shirley asked me if the children would enjoy Civil War dancers. I immediately jumped on the offer and the children loved to learn about their attire and the time period.’’ 

Larry and Shirley Hackmann are true inspirations to us all. 

They are amazing.