Divaz' last dance

The first parade when members of the Blazen Divaz danced and sashayed along Sherman Avenue with props and costumes adorned with festive lights, they became instant celebrities.

"I heard so many people say, 'Oh my gosh, it’s almost like Disneyland!'" longtime Blazen Diva Jean Slagel said Thursday. "That’s the thought in my mind."

Colorful costumes, innovative illuminations, delightful dance routines and smiles from ear to ear have all been staples of the Blazen Divaz performance group, which has brought joy to the community since it was founded in 2009.

As of Dec. 31, the Divaz will have danced their final dance. During a meeting Wednesday evening, CEO John Parmann and President Karen Conlon made an announcement to their members.

“We’re retiring the organization,” Conlon said.

“It’s an end of an era,” Parmann said.

The decision to end such a well-loved local group has been an emotional roller coaster, Parmann said.

"It’s like a dad breaking bad news to the family,” he said.

Parmann and his late wife, Julia, created the Blazen Divaz for young-at-heart women who believe in the restorative power of group exercise, camaraderie and creative expression. The Divaz found a place for every participant willing to put in the work to practice multiple times a week — rain, snow, shine or all three — and commit to performing in local, national and international events.

Throughout the years, the group has welcomed Divaz and Dudez ages 18 on up. The group currently has 33 members, ages 55-83, plus a 95-year-old member who contributes her talents to the sewing team. The Divaz have also embraced and celebrated members with disabilities, such as mobility issues or vision or hearing impairments.

"We are all-inclusive," Parmann said. "We never turn anybody down."

Parmann, 77, is ready for a new chapter in his life. After Julia's devastating and abrupt passing in July 2022, he tirelessly worked to continue the group with help from Conlon, who stepped up as president.

“When Julia was still with us, we were the perfect tag-team," Parmann said. "She had the visions of how to do stuff, I did all the legal and the production. Her office was downstairs, mine was upstairs, we could yell (to each other).

"But that was a sudden and unexpected loss," he continued. "For over two years now, I still have the effects of that. If it wasn’t for the Divaz, I don’t know what I would have done. They’re like a family. They helped me in every way they could to keep the Divaz going. We persevered. We’ve done a lot of great things I didn’t expect to do."

Increasing costs of insurance, parade entry fees, equipment and travel expenses also contributed to the decision to end the Divaz.

“It’s hard to do what we do with the needs that we would have to go forward," Parmann said. “There is a time to say, ‘This was a great experience.’ We gave back to this community because we love this community. We truly do, and we could feel the love back. On that parade route, oh my goodness — elderly people in wheelchairs, veterans in wheelchairs, young kids that are dancing like crazy.” 

Performances on the Blazen Divaz' resume include the Post Falls Founders Day Parade; the Coeur d'Alene Fourth of July Parade; Relay for Life; Festival of Trees; Ironman Coeur d'Alene; Cancer and Community Charities (3Cs) events; Silver City Days in Trail, B.C.; Hayden Holiday Lighting Parade; Rathdrum Days Parade; "The Queen Latifah Show;" Paul Bunyan Days Parade; Hollywood Christmas Parade and many more. 

“I had the best seat in the house, driving the golf cart,” Parmann said.

The group was also a benevolent one, never charging for performances and supporting local nonprofits through internal fundraisers.

“I’m going to miss it," Conlon said. "I love the practice, I love the creativity of my role — the costume design, the topper on the cart, the choreography. I will miss that creativity. I think most of all I’ll miss the interaction with the crowds, and the women. These women are remarkable to me, and I am so proud of them.” 

Slagel, 83, was good friends with Julia and was one of the first to join the Blazen Divaz. Although she serves on the group's board of directors and knew some changes were coming, she said it was a shock to learn the Divaz would soon come to an end.

"I’m saying, 'OK, what am I going to do now?'" she said. "The ladies and the friendships that I have made in this group probably will last forever."

She said she hopes another group will emerge, but it couldn't be the Divaz because the name would have to change.

"I had a sewing group that met at my home every Tuesday and we worked on costumes," she continued. "(Wednesday) night, one of the ladies said, 'Can we still come to your home on Tuesdays?'

"I’m having a hard time knowing that it’s the end, which I can understand, but I’m still sad,” Slagel said.

    Mina McAnulty, center, smiles while rehearsing Nov. 7, 2016 with the Blazen Divaz at PEAK Health and Wellness Center in Hayden.
 

    The Blazen Divaz, pictured here, performed in the 2015 Hollywood Christmas Parade. The dance and parade group will disband after Dec. 31.
  

    The Blazen Divaz perform along the parade route in Leavenworth, Wash. Leaders of the local dance troupe have announced the Divaz will be retired Dec. 31 after 15 years of bringing joy to communities near and far.
  

    The Blazen Divaz added their special lit-up touch to the 2024 Christmas parade in downtown Coeur d'Alene.