Dance troupe shows age brings strength, wisdom
A group of over 60-year-old dancers are participating in the Melbourne Fringe Festival, supported by Care Connect.
Home care provider Care Connect has partnered with Melbourne Fringe Festival to sponsor the production of FreeSteps – Swinging Years, a dance performance created by Taiwanese choreographer Wei-Chia Su who guides a cast of 59 local dancers all over the age of 60, many of whom are in their 80s and 90s.
The work celebrates the beauty and resilience of the ageing body and explores how movement, music and memory intertwine.
Care Connect chief executive officer Lynda Chalmers said the partnership reflects their commitment to helping older Australians age on their own terms and aims to highlight the power of movement and connection in improving wellbeing.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Melbourne Fringe Festival to bring FreeSteps – Swinging Years to Melbourne this year,” Ms Chalmers said.
“Ageing well means more than just staying healthy. It’s about staying connected, active, and living a life you love. Swinging Years beautifully encapsulates and celebrates this.”
Debra Batton, who is in her mid-60s, is among the performers and said the performance highlights the value of coming together as a collective.
“What I find really special is getting to dance with people that are my age or older. The experience they bring to the room, the conversations during our lunch break, watching people learn and transform across the process under wise direction has just been the most exciting thing. I feel enriched every moment,” she said.
Ms Chalmers added that people often think of ageing in terms of loss or limitation but performances like this are a reminder of the strength and wisdom that comes with age.
“Our goal at Care Connect is to empower older Australians to keep doing what they love, whether that’s dancing, gardening, volunteering, or simply spending time with people who matter most.”
The show runs from October 15-18.
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