Over 50 and love dancing — then new group is for you!

Rotherham arts group ROAR is setting up a new dance company aimed at the over 50s, named Company.

It will involve weekly movement sessions with a focus on creating performance and having this focus gives a real sense of purpose to the group.

ROAR artistic director Matt Butt said: “Digital dance shorts will be produced  during every session and shared as an ongoing performance that grows over time as well as live performances every few months.

“Company is for anyone - people who have never been to a dance class before, people who danced when they were younger and want to start again and also ex-professionals.

“There are the obvious physical benefits to dancing but there is also the social interaction that comes with dancing.  

“The name Company is also a definite nod towards the social aspect of dance, meeting and moving in a space with other people is so important, it impacts really positively on the feelings of isolation some older people feel, especially in the present times.”

The new group did not have a specific style in mind but “works with the people in the room and their physicality, creating a style of itself”, said Matt, adding: “We are used to seeing young athletic performers at the peak of their capability, fantastic of course, but that should not be it, dance should be performed by everyone at every age and physical abilities, the qualities will be different, the difference is magical, it is a joy.

“Company also challenges the perceptions of what people can achieve later in life both to the performers themselves but also to the audience, their families and friends.”

Sessions start on October 20 at 6.30pm at ROAR’s Westgate HQ and will continue every Wednesday onwards.

Just turn up or email [email protected] or call 07429 645357 for more information.