Creative Dance and Movement Classes
Striking Attitudes is a professional total theatre dance company that works with and involves community participants. The creative dance classes are community based and have evolved as a result of Striking Attitudes’ 2005 production of ‘Three Parts Iced Over’; a work of intergenerational significance.
The classes are primarily geared to creating work for performance and are designed to appeal to the mature dancer (in the dance world that means anyone over the age of forty); the purpose is to enjoy. Class members have a broad range of abilities, from those working professionally in the field of community dance, to those who have never danced before. To take part in Striking Attitudes dance classes all you need is the desire and enthusiasm to have a go. Classes are held in Cardiff, South Wales.
The Striking Attitudes dance classes are led by Artistic Director, Caroline Lamb and dancer, Janet Fieldsend. The classes focus on the beauty, calm, inner strength and experienced physique of the older dancer, both male and female. For class members it proves that life is an adventure and that it is never too late to search within and take on new experiences and physical challenges.
Participant’s Thoughts
“So many things about the group have given me pleasure. To have the chance to dance again in my own way and not feel pressured or judged. To be in such a supportive and encouraging atmosphere gave many of us a much needed confidence boost. Great to be taught and be a participant in a class rather than be the teacher and I have loved the stimulus and creativity that has emerged from this fusion of like-minded people.
It’s been a chance to rediscover a love of dance and why it’s so important to us. There has been so much fun and laughter in the workshops and a real pleasure from dancing together and watching each other. We have all been surprised at the wealth of ideas that have emerged week by week, as we opened up more and more and felt our confidence grow. However tired we were or stressed, it soon evaporated as we came together in the studio, and we left smiling, chatting. Every Thursday was a tonic it gave me a lift for the week.
It has been different to any class I have been involved in before because of the wide range of ages and therefore life experiences of the participants. It was very special to be able to share memories, feelings and experiences and express them through dance. Long may it continue.” - Response to Striking Attitudes movement and dance classes by participant, Shirley Stansfield.
“It makes me more aware of my physical self – usually in a positive way. It inspires me to keep fit. It is a really great opportunity to express myself as a person. When I’m dancing I’m just me, not a mother, grandmother, wife etc.” – Response to Striking Attitudes movement and dance classes by participant Elizabeth Harris.
“It conditions me to exercise every week making me aware of my whole body. It takes me out of myself and has a calming affect on my whole attitude to life. I really like being able to dance with people of my own age and being able to work towards film and stage work.” –Dance class participant, Karen LeBeau
“I am more flexible and relaxed and I find it very cathartic. I love the chance to work creatively towards a dance performance with a wonderful group of people.” – Dance class participant, Olivia Jones
For more details about Striking Attitudes movement and dance classes and one-day workshops, call Striking Attitudes on 02920-712-265
