Artistic Co-Director, David McMicken, was invited by Canberra Dance Theatre (CDT) to create a new work on the GOLDs (Growing Old Disgracefully Seniors Dance group). CDT is a member-driven organisation that integrates community and professional dance practice.  17 GOLD members enrolled, and a new work called “Something” was created. David reworked the soundtrack he'd created for Tracks' 2017 show, Man Made, making it more specific to the group.

The work begins in an internal world, exploring distant memories and nagging thoughts. It then moves into a realm of comfort within our own bodies and joy in watching how others move. The section was created from personal moves and ‘stealing’ moves from each other. We then question how much body and soul we can give, and finish in a social setting where we find great comfort, support, and always find “a time to groove”.

Each day we would start with a company class where repertoire from the Grey Panthers was taught, including Joanna Noonan’s Who Can Remember Sweet November, Let’s Get Physical and the 2019 participation piece En Masse. The week ended with a showing of Sweet November and the newly developed work, 'Something'.

We hope this is the start of a longer collaboration with other Senior dance groups. David sincerely thanks the kindness of Jacqui Simmonds, Phillip Piggin and all members at Canberra Dance Theatre.

Members:

Jean Bennett
Vilaisan Campbell
Pam Diver
Edna Dundas
Megan Flynn
Anne Gardner
Charmaine Hallam
Boronia Halstead
Mary Hinchley
Merilyn Jenkins
Jill Jones
Carol Mackay
Gemma McKeown
Penny Mullbacher
Penny Richards
David Turbayne
Suzanne Winser