News
Too Young To Be Old
Too Young To Be Old a week of dance activities for anyone age 50+ organised by CoisCéim as part of the Bealtaine Festival 2007 was a resounding success. The event focussed on health and creativity and involved dance classes, dance film screenings, talks and choreographic workshops.
Workshops given by CoisCéim's artistic director David Bolger and choreographer Muirne Bloomer were received with much enthusiasm and at times hilarious confusion "I didn't realise how hard it was to walk in a circle!" (participant). Dance classes given by Ríonach Ní Níell and Philippa Donnellan were hugely enjoyable and health talks presented by Holly Waugh (nutrition) and Anne Farrell (health & well being) were lively and informative.
Participants learnt choreography from two CoisCéim productions: Nutcracker and Intimate Details from the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony. Many people said they had never seen, much less taken a class in contemporary dance and found the week a completely new experience "everyday has been a revelation" (participant).
The focus on older people dancing and the benefits of staying fit, active and socially involved were a topic of conversation throughout the week. During breaks for water or over cups of tea at the end of workshops everyone chatted about how important this kind of activity was for people. Underlying this was that dancing and performing does not have to be the sole territory of the young or a physically elite group. Given the opportunity, people of any age or ability are able to participate and gain knowledge and expertise in dance. There may have been a few sore muscles and aching feet, but as the week drew to a close it was moving to see participants really getting into the swing of Too Young to Be Old and making new friends along the way and clearly becoming an important part of CoisCéim's dance community.
i NEVER KNEW i HAD LEGS UNTIL TODAY ...
tOO YOUNG TO BE OLD
pARTICIPANT