Elders in London

TIM STEPHENSON

 

Three men and twenty-two women between sixty and eighty six years old. 

Theirs is a generation that grew up with dance. They socialized in the Dance Hall, courted there, and met their spouses there. They moved and danced their way through the popular music of the day. It was part of their culture. 

I love this class, these people, their willingness to participate, their ability to partner, often spontaneously, their joy at dances shared. They are so lyrical! Perhaps they’ve gone beyond self-judgment and the need to impress. They can just “be”, whatever their limitations.

They’ve built a community here through shared movement. Friendships and support have grown, and the barriers of social systems have disappeared. They are all, without exception, delighted and committed to the dance, to the freedom of movement.