MADE To Dance

Dance isn’t just a social activity. In the 1940s, dance was taught to traumatised veterans of World War II to help them express their emotions and work through trauma and stress, and it’s still used today throughout the medical community as a form of therapy. However, dancing isn’t only an activity that benefi ts young people. Benefi ts from dance for seniors range from improving physical health to increasing sense of happiness and well-being.

If you ask a troupe of Tasmanian Baby Boomers, dancing is the answer to beating old age. Established in 2005, MADE (Mature Artists Dance Experience) is a non-profi t Tasmanianbased arts organisation that partners professional artists with nonprofessional dancers to create and present beautiful contemporary dance theatre. The kicker? No kids allowed. The dances are performed by those aged 50 and over, in a primarily nontraditional performance space. We spoke to Shirley Gibson from MADE about dance and the mature dancer.

Tell us a litle about MADE

Shirley Gibson: MADE connects to audiences of all ages, communication life experiences, refl ecting on life, and expressing story through dance/ theatre. Audiences are off ered an alternative view of the mature body and contemporary dance in a performance context.

Dance performance for and by the mature body can either conform with or challenge dominant physical norms for people 50 years and older. It must be acknowledged that, via choreography and dance conventions, dance can create and maintain the “elderly” as a distinct and subordinated category.

Further, the organizing of older adults’ dance very often takes place in terms of the discourses of healthism. MADE’s performance practice moved beyond both applications of dance.

Fundamentally, MADE views dance among mature community members as more than a popular health promoting and social activity. MADE views it as an area in which age relations are negotiated and constructed. We engage with this arena via embodied storytelling.

How does dance benefit mature adults?

SG: The diverse experience of ageing: Significantly, among mature community members, there are differences in health as well as perception of wellbeing. For some, the years after 50 offer an opportunity to make good use of time and for others it’s a time of illness and economic deprivation. The extremely diverse experience of ageing surrounding socio-economic journey and varies ethnic values is highly significant in MADE’s experience, understanding, and values when it comes to creating performance.

Looking forward, we are committed to creating work in view of the different meanings and conditions of life as an older person. Like a mirror reflecting a beam of light across time and space,

we aim to case our life’s experience onto new platforms and into new forums, contributing vibrantly to cultural conversations.

What about some of the benefits of dance on the ageing body?

SG: Research has revealed encouraging people to remain physically and mentally active strengthens community both socially and economically. Dance delivers these aspects – physical, emotional, social, and mental wellbeing. Feedback from class participants indicate:

An improved physical, core strength and coordination Increased confidence

Improved wellbeing – physical and mental Skills development

Reduced stress

And what about social and cognitive benefits?

SG: After our Movers & Shakers class, we have a cup of tea and chat about everything from the dance we just did to any thoughts and memories that came up during the session.

It’s a community of friends who dance. We pay attention to this time as much as to the class time, as there is clear evidence of the social outcomes and joy the class

What is your favourite part about being involved in a company that empowers mature dancers?

SG: I’m passionate about not only the physical joy of dance but also the mental benefits of having to learn new choreographic works, new pieces, and/or exercises in class.

Dance is my soul food! I want to share this with as many people as possible. Everyone can dance. Even if you say you can’t, you think you’re too inexperienced, out of shape, or too old, think again!