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Workshop
Creative Movement for Seniors
This movement class starts by paying attention to our breath, grounding and gently stretching to warm up the body. We will pick up the pace and have some fun moving through different styles and rhythms to corresponding music such as jive, disco, waltz, and other forms. We will focus on coordination and rhythmic nuances to keep our brains ticking and our feet moving. Bringing down the pace we will explore balance, graceful placement, transfer of weight and supple spines. We will pick up the pace again to enjoy our expanded range of motion. We will end with a gentle stretch to music, so that we can really feel all the benefits of the attention we gave to our bodies.
All 55+ bodies welcome, including beginners.
All levels welcome!
Facilitators:
Claire French, Lorraine White-Wilkinson + guest teachers
Class Details:
You will be directed to an online Zoom registration form. Please complete the form by providing your information.
When registration is complete, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from Zoom containing your unique online meeting link and detailed class information. If you do not receive a confirmation message, please contact the Outreach Coordinator at outreach[at]thedancecentre.ca
Note: In-person class is currently full. Please contact Outreach Coordinator at: outreach[at]thedancecentre.ca if you wish to be placed on waiting list.
Part of our Power of Dance: Seniors Program.
Photos by Chris Randle
About the instructors:
Claire French
Claire French is grateful to have taught movement and dance for over three decades internationally in professional, pre-professional, educational, and community outreach contexts. A teacher for the Power of Dance program since 2021, Claire is inspired by the participants, fuelling her energetic, passionate, and attentive approach. Her dance background is a deeply embodied assortment of styles and she continues developing and crafting her unique approach through her teaching and choreographic practice.
She is a choreographer, collaborator, and artistic co-director with composer James Maxwell, of the interdisciplinary project-based company Restless Productions. She has spent many years studying, researching, lecturing and collaborating in interdisciplinary contexts, adding valuable perspective to her creative trajectory. She earned a Practice as Research PhD in Dance (University of Chichester, UK) in 2022. In 2024/2025 as one of The Dance Centre’s artists in residence, she will continue to explore and cultivate her professional practice as a performer, choreographer, and collaborator. Claire is a sought-after mentor, outside eye, rehearsal director, and facilitator. She is also honoured to be the host of The Dance Centre podcast.
Lorraine White-Wilkinson
Lorraine is a passionate and sensitive teacher who is currently researching the benefits of dance for older populations.
Her focus is on teaching dance as a way of tapping into physical & mental health, as an invitation to explore artistic expression, as well as a venue for community building.
She holds an MA in Arts Education, BA Honours degree in Dance, and has over 30 years teaching experience.