Creative Ageing
www.pdsw.org.uk
Photo: Doreen Barnes by Kevin Clifford
Information about opportunities to dance in locations around South West England
Where?
What?
Bath
YAMA Dance Company
“
I had no intention of starting to dance. Now that I’ve started, it’s really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and challenged me to use parts of the brain & body that have been too long dormant. My confidence levels have improved and so has life.
Contact: Anna Heighway E: Yamadanceco@gmail.com
Bi-weekly dance and movement workshops at the Edge, Bath Spa University for those aged 60+. The aim is to develop the skills necessary to perform as part of an ensemble company. YAMA believe that being seen is an important means of challenging the misconception that dance is for ‘the young’. Sessions are open to all levels. We have a lot of fun, we challenge our limitations whilst always listening intently to where each individual is at, in the here and now. Please check out our promo video to see us in action (Available on our facebook page)
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Bournemouth, Dorchester and Sherborne
Classes for the active older person and for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their carers.
Older And Perfect
A gentle and fun dance exercise class to help keep you fit and healthy. Covering a variety of dance styles and working on everyday essentials such as balance, mobility and coordination. Bournemouth Class - Fridays 11.30am – 12.30pm Pavilion Dance South West, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU 01202 203630 info@pdsw.org.uk
Parkinson’s Dance
Parkinson’s Dance addresses symptoms of Parkinson’s in a fun, stimulating, motivating and challenging but safe environment. The classes are for people with Parkinsons’ and their carers. PDSW is proud to be part of the National Dance for Parkinsons UK Network. Check out: www.danceforparkinsonsuk.org Bournemouth Class - Fridays 3.15pm – 4.45pm Pavilion Dance South West, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU 01202 203630 info@pdsw.org.uk Sherborne Class - Tuesdays 2.30pm – 4pm In Partnership with Sherborne ArtsLink . Tuesday’s 2.30pm-4pm. Digby Hall, Hound Street Sherborne, DT9 3AA 01935 815899 Dorchester Class - Tuesdays 3pm – 4.30pm In partnership with Dorchester Arts Centre. The Corn Exchange, Dorchester Arts Centre, High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF. 01305 266926 enquiries@dorchesterarts.org.uk
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Bristol
Gerry’s Attic Dance Company
Gerry’s Attic Dance is a new performance Company for over-55s based in Bristol. The company is run by Julia Thorneycroft Dance in partnership with Trinity Arts Centre.
The company, which meets weekly, aims to create high quality dance theatre work. The company is inclusive and has members who have never danced before working along side ex-professionals.
Contact: E: julia.thorneycroft@blueyonder.co.uk
“
Thank you so much for organising this group and getting it started! I really enjoyed myself on both days and am so looking forward to being part of the ongoing group! It was lovely to be around so many people who enjoy moving their bodies and expressing themselves.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Cornwall
Sundance
Sundance offers friendly movement sessions, which are accessible to fit 50 year olds through to sprightly octogenarians. Using music from across the eras and around the world, there’s a lot of laughter during these relaxed sociable classes, which are tailor made
to support the health, happiness and wellbeing of people over 50. No previous dance experience is necessary and movement can be adapted to accommodate different needs and abilities so that age or health issues do not prevent taking part.
“
I find this class an inspiration as it allows me to dance in a free but structured way which is very uplifting. It is entirely suitable for both experienced and inexperienced dancers - and makes dancers of us all.
Contact: Caroline Schanche T: 07773 669667 www.sundancepenzance.co.uk
Classes are on:
Tuesdays 10am -11am Parish Rooms, Pendeen Wednesdays 10.30am – 12pm Chapel St Methodist Rooms, Penzance Fridays 10am – 11am WI Hall, St Just The first taster session is free and then its £3.50 per session.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Cornwall
Inner Ground Dance Company
Inner Ground Dance Company is Cornwall’s contemporary dance company for mature dancers, delivering provision for lifelong learning and raising aspiration for mature dancers. As well as high quality performance opportunities and company class,
we offer workshops with visiting professional dance companies. The criteria for joining is to be aged over 50 and, if we are working towards a performance, to commit to the rehearsal schedule. We welcome new–to-dance and experienced dancers.
“
Belonging to Inner Ground Dance Company has given me a sense of belonging to a serious dance company with aims and objectives which I share. It has given me a sense of self-worth and fulfilled a long held need for self expression through movement, of being actively engaged in something creative and enjoyable.
Contact: Jayne Devlin E: weejayne@hotmail.com Caroline Schanche E: caroline.schanche@icloud.com www.innerground.dance
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Cornwall
Various Activities
Creative participatory dance workshops and projects for all members of the community. All projects are developed in partneraship with participants, community organisations and funders.
Dance in Tim
e dancers 2014
photo by Orbi
tal
Contact: Lois Taylor T: 07730586306 E: lois@loistaylor.co.uk www.loistaylor.co.uk
“
Thanks Lois! All credit to you for creating a space where people feel comfortable being so open.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Devon and Somerset
Life Circles delivered in care homes, Tone Dance in North Curry and Love to Dance in Crediton
Life Circles delivers high quality fun and engaging dance sessions in care settings in Devon and Somerset. Using imagination and touch as powerful tools, the artist led sessions are tailored to the moods, passions, life stories and fears of participants who may feel very isolated in the later stages of their lives. We also offer artists and carers the opportunity to train with us.
Tone Dance supports the creativity and health of older people living in villages around the River Tone. Dance sessions are held on Thursdays in North Curry Village Hall, Somerset.
Love to Dance is a monthly Saturday morning dance session at the Moose Hall, Crediton for active over 50 year olds.
“
These workshops are brilliant, so full of life and fun, we want them every week.
Contact: Sue Way T: 07817002665 E: sue_way@btopenworld.com www.moosehall.co.uk
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Devon & Plymouth
Creative and Parkinsons’ Dance Classes
Over 50s Contemporary Dance based class for everybody, exploring different styles from different eras. Based at the Dance Sci Dance Studio, Exeter Dance For Parkinsons classes in Exeter and Plymouth, extending into East Devon. Creative dance sessions offered in care homes based on the Life Circles model.
“
Contact: Katie Kelsey T: 07824 906317 E: ktsclass1@gmail.com Facebook page Kt’s Class Twitter: @ktsclass1
Beautifully flowing contemporary class tonight @Ktsclass1 @DanSci_Studio
“
Great class with @Ktsclass1 at @DanSci_Studio last night. It’s like a moving back massage with great moves & tunes!
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Dawlish, Devon
Dawlish Dancers
Dawlish Dancers is a self-funded group set up to encourage older people to stay mentally and physically active through dance. All the members are over 60 and some are over 80 years of age. The group is run by a committee with tuition from a professional dance practitioner. Our dances, which are choreographed by our teacher, have many different influences,
Contact: Gwen Wheddon T: 01626 863805
eg. Charleston, latin, western - no partner is required and no previous dance experience is necessary. Whilst we all try to dance to the best of our ability, we also have a lot of fun and enjoy the mutual support of the group. We also organise occasional social activities.
“
It makes me happy. At the age of 80, having never danced before, I finally got in touch with my body. I look forward to the class all week and always leave on a high.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Devon
Various classes and events
Best Foot Forward is a series of dance classes with uplifting music that are designed to support strength and balance for falls prevention. These popular sessions are enjoyable, friendly and creative. Stepping Out are social dance activities run in partnership with Drink Wise Age Well. They are designed to offer convivial dance sessions as a way of supporting people over 50 to keep active, be creative and feel connected.
“
It’s like exercising without knowing you’re doing it and even the men love it!
Contact: T: 01803 868116 E: info@danceindevon.org.uk
Dance in Time is our annual celebration of Older People’s Day that takes place on the Dartington Estate on 1 October. We host up to 100 dancers from across the region taking part in workshops, sharing their performance work and enjoying a live band over lunch. Flash-mob! We celebrate older dancers in our incredible landscape through site-specific and outdoor work eg our Torbay flashmob and Human Sandcastles promenade performance.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Dorchester and Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset
Movers & Shakers
Weekly, term-time sessions are held in Dorchester and Winfrith Newburgh providing creative contemporary dance sessions for active over-55s to improve physical skills and movement memory. We use a wide range of starting
points from everyday life and other dance styles and cultures and provide opportunities for members to see contemporary dance live and participate in specialist workshops by visiting dance artists.
Contact: Lyn Paine T: 01305 263489 E: lynpainez@aol.com
“
Dance provides a gentle workout for muscles and ageing brain cells, and a nudge towards creativity. Lyn’s capacity to develop new ideas seems inexhaustible, and it’s a pleasure to be part of it.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Bridport, Dorset
Grace & Growl Dance Company
Grace and Growl Dance Company runs in Bridport, West Dorset and holds regular rehearsals and residencies for older adults towards performance. We also offer open level contemporary dance classes for older adults which runs weekly on a drop in basis.
“
Discovering Grace and Growl has been a great joy. Its challenging range of formal exercises, opportunities for creative responses to music and ideas and working with an inspiring choreographer has become a highlight of my life. I never realised that retirement could be a time of such creative growth and development.
Contact: Anna Golding T: 07958 045672 E: goldinganna@gmail.com
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Wareham, Dorset
A Dance A Day Class
A Dance A Day is a community dance project supported by Activate Performing Arts to support active and creative ageing. If you are over 50 and love to move, whether you have experience or not, do come along and join in.
“
I do so love the class, it really is my red letter day
A Dance A Day Class – Wareham takes place on Wednesdays 10am-11am at Wareham Corn Exchange, Town Hall Lane, Wareham BH20 4NS
“
I loved it, I wish I knew about it earlier. It’s such fun
Contact: Aimee Smith T: 07590 110225 E: Aimee-smith@live.com
Classes cost £5.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Eastleigh, Hampshire
Retrospectif Dance Company
Retrospectif is a dance company aimed at older adults with a passion to learn how to dance. Sessions focus on contemporary technique as well as experimenting with the members’ own creativity. Classes are weekly in The Point’s
Dance studio. No previous dance experience is needed. The company is also given the opportunity to collaborate with guest dance artists and perform at various events during the year if they wish to.
Contact: Vicki Hargreaves The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE T: 02 38065 2333
“
Dance has always been part of my life, and it makes me so happy to be able to carry on in my later years.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Hampshire
Joyful Jams sessions in care homes
JAMS artists offer dance and multi art sessions in residential, day and community settings for older and younger people living with dementia. Drawing on a wealth of diverse material from theatre, dance and music backgrounds artists use participatory arts intuitively and instinctively to enhance wellbeing, support interaction and develop creativity.
“
I am desperate to get you back! You managed to get everyone involved and I loved that you’re amazing at what you do!” Clorissa Paylor, activities coordinator Buckland Court
Activities will include: Music and song, movement and dance, theatre and improvisation poetry and reminiscence. Within a JAMS session participants can expect to sing, dance, move and stretch, interact, breathe more deeply, laugh and reminisce, gain new skills, develop confidence and creativity, observe, perform, share and make friends. In Joy.
Contact: Louisa White T: 07530 895404 E: louisa@joyfuljams.co.uk Joyful Jams CIC, The West Wing Studios, The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Plymouth
Various activities and classes
Plymouth Dance gathers information regarding citywide dance classes, events and opportunities for people over 50 which can be provided upon request (phone, email or post). It is also available on the Plymouth Dance website and it is possible to sign up to the Plymouth Dance mailing list and just receive information regarding dance for people over 50 by email. Projects include ‘Tea Dance with a Twist!’ events and Dance Companions (including accompanied visits to watch dance at the Theatre).
“
It feels so nice to dance again and be held
Contact: T. 07818 518079 E: admin@plymouthdance.org.uk www.plymouthdance.org.uk Twitter @PlymouthDance
“
I really like feeling alive again
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Taunton and Yeovil
Bolder Dance Company and Monday Movers
Both Monday Movers and Bolder Dance Company meet once a week on Mondays during term times. Monday Movers class runs from 9.30-11am at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. Bolder Dance Company meets at 4pm for a cup of tea, a biscuit and chat at the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre foyer, Taunton, then class runs from 4.306.00pm in the studio.
Both offer fun, strengthening, toning and energising weekly dance classes, drawing on contemporary and ballet technique, as well as influences from other cultural dance forms and creative work. We get involved with performances and projects whenever we can. No previous experience necessary and everyone welcome. Please enjoy a free first trial session for both classes.
“
A total tonic on a Monday morning – makes me feel young again. Combining wonderful choreography and free expression, it sets me up for the week with positivity, body awareness and grace.
Contact: Hannah Lefeuvre T: 0779 445 3329 E: hlefeuvre@hotmail.co.uk
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Wedmore Village Hall, Somerset
Sugar Water Curls Over 50s Dance Company
Sugar Water Curls (formed 2007) dance on Thursday mornings during term time at Wedmore Village Hall in Somerset. We are led by dance artist Viv Gordon. We enjoy creative dance, contemporary dance, world dance styles and occasional visiting artists. Highlights so far include participating in Cultural Olympiad celebrations, working with body
popper Tom Willoughby on short film “Hip-Hoperation”, performing at Mean Feet Dance’s wellbeing events, creating intergenerational performances “Swan Like” and “Ishtar and Tammuz” with a local school and creating “Head over Heels”, a nationally-used falls prevention movement film with Take Art/Somerset Partnership NHS. We are open to new members.
“
It keeps me mentally active as well as physically active and that is really important – to feel like I am learning new things, taking risks and challenging myself
Contact: Pat Taylor T: 01934 713 430
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Various activities and classes
Elevate programme at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. The programme provides regular creative events and activities for patients on wards. Dance for Parkinson’s Salisbury class: Tuesdays 10.30-11.45am at Parkwood Leisure Centre. It is for people with Parkinson’s and their
Contact: Rebecca Seymour E: rebsmm@gmail.com or rebecca.seymour@salisbury.nhs.uk
partners/carers. It is a lively, fun class where people get to experience the joy of dancing to various styles of music and exercise their bodies in a safe, supportive environment, whilst being amongst friends. Suitable for all levels of ability - class is both chair based and standing/moving around the space.
“
People with Parkinson’s are often involved in numerous therapies to try and improve the movement problems caused by the condition. On a bad day, or even a good day, it is extremely hard to be enthusiastic or motivated to do the exercises, but dance to music, with others sharing the same, has a transforming power like no other. Nothing else brings smiles to the faces or movements to the bodies like dance. It is THE MOST BENEFICIAL ‘therapy’ for Parkie people, and their partners
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Where?
What?
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Dance SIX-0 Dance Company
Dance SIX-0 is a contemporary dance company based in Salisbury, and an Associate Company of Salisbury Playhouse. Established in September 2015, it offers men and women over 60 years, the opportunity to experience and benefit from regular dance opportunities. D60 Company Rosalind Conlon is a dynamic company which works with professional choreographers to create high quality performances. D60 Open Classes led by Debbie Lee-Anthony are lively, friendly sessions, in which participants work at their own pace, to their individual abilities. To book: www.salisburyplayhouse.com D60 Extra Dance sessions for people living with dementia led by Rebecca Seymour using gentle movement, creativity, props and music to increase wellbeing through dance.
“
It keeps me mentally active as well as physically active and that is really important – to feel like I am learning new things, taking risks and challenging myself
Contact: Vicky Thornton, Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7RA E: vickythornton.creativeproducer@gmail.com
T: 07884 036244 Website www.dancesix0.com
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Pavilion Dance South West’s “Joie de Vivre” Programme PDSW is the South West of England’s dance development organisation with a theatre and studios, Pavilion Dance, in Bournemouth. Joie de Vivre is our strategy to make a useful dance offer to the rising proportion of older people. Dance for Parkinsons: The classes are referred to earlier in this leaflet. We run training sessions for dancers, hold an annual National Parkinsons’Awareness Day in association with Parkinsons UK and are part of the National Dance for Parkinsons UK Network www.danceforparkinsonsuk.org Short Dance Film Competition: We run an international short dance film competition with judges from the dance and film worlds. The winning films are available for screening in public fora here and abroad. They show the beauty and humanity in the older dancing body and challenge society’s perceptions of what it means to be ‘older’. Festival: In October, to coincide with the UN International Day of Older People, we host a platform of performances by superb companies of mature dancers and a campaign “In Celebration of the Mature Dancer”. International Exchange Programme: We arrange exchanges between dancers from here and Norway and hope to do more of this in the future to inspire new ideas and networks. Networking: let us know if you’re interested in dance for the older person, as a dance leader or a participant. We support interest networks to share practice and skills. Creative Ageing SW brochure: We produce this leaflet as a way of letting you know that there are enjoyable and healthy dance options out there which are accessible to you, your friends and family.
Any questions? Contact Zannah Doan, Regional Producer on zannah@pdsw.org.uk
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Photo of Jane Chadney by Kevin Clifford
Photo of Graham Jagger, Graham Turner and Steve Cook by Kevin Clifford
Photo of Sandra Thibault by Kevin Clifford
Photo of Alison Bromhead by Kevin Clifford
Photo of Meg Egdar by Kevin Clifford
We are building up a portable exhibition of super photos of older dancers. If you are hosting an event and would like to exhibit these photos – please get in touch. Check out our website’s Dance Development/Joie de Vivre/Exhibition area to see the photos currently available.
Creative Ageing – opportunities to dance in South West England
www.pdsw.org.uk
Do you like to dance? Are you trying to keep fit? Are you wanting to make new friends? Do you need to find ways to manage a health condition? There are a range of classes offered: from dance classes for people with specific conditions such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers to creative classes and companies for people wanting to perform. Classes take place in village halls, arts centres and theatres, care homes and some out in the open air. They are offered in rural and in urban areas. This leaflet highlights some of the dance activities around the South West of England which are especially directed at mature people. They are led by dance professionals and their contact details are included. We hope you find it useful. www.pdsw.org.uk