Age on Stage celebrates tenth birthday with special events

The twenty-strong group of over 60s, who meet weekly for contemporary dance class at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn with tutor/choreographer Anthea McWilliams, decided to go to London and then have a party at home.

A number of the group travelled to Sadler’s Wells Theatre to see Matthew Bourne’s highly acclaimed production of The Red Shoes swiftly followed by a visit to the Wallace Collection in Hertford House the next day.

Member Brenda Mac Lynn commented on the trip: “The ballet was thoroughly enjoyable, especially when the conductor turned out to be wearing red shoes himself!

“And I was really surprised by the range of wonderful artworks in the Wallace Collection, it was lovely to see them in reality.”

Once their bags were unpacked, the whole group made their way to R-Space Gallery for a party where they danced the afternoon away with live music provided by Bill Hunter. Gallery directors Robert and Anthea were thrilled to join the festivities and encouraged everyone to their feet.

Original member Sandra Perry remembers being enchanted at that first class in 2007 with the variety and scope of the dance movement being presented, and Kay, a class regular in her late 80s adds ‘it keeps me alive, coming to these classes!’

Although the Friday sessions are full, potential new members can still contact the Island on 028 9250 9509 or Anthea directly on 07980 494063. Age on Stage is also available for gigs and workshops. Future plans include applying for funding to create a new dance work to celebrate being ten and choreographer Anthea is hoping to commission designers and artists to work with her to make a piece to remember.