Most people go to the Sydney Opera House to take in a show, but a new dance theatre workshop will give seniors the chance to engage with the famous venue in a whole new way.
The Spring For Seniors workshop will launch this month, one of many exciting new programs that are being run by the Opera House's Centre for Creativity.
The purpose-built centre is offering a year-round program of workshops, talks, performances and installations. It aims to allow people of all ages to engage with the Opera House in a more participatory way.
The Spring for Seniors program will offer a monthly dance theatre workshop for people aged 55 and over, facilitated by dance artist, educator and filmmaker Diane Busuttil.
The workshop will present gentle classes designed to build strength and mobility, improve balance, and increase hand-eye coordination, memory and musicality. Each workshop will be followed by a conversation and coffee, giving participants the opportunity to socialise.
The Centre's curator of public performing Tamara Harrison said the workshop would offer much more than the typical dance class, combining a genuine theatrical sensibility with dance moves
"Being a dance theatre class it hopefully has a bit more resonance than just a pure dance class," she said.
"We're the home of great artistry and many memorable performances for people who've come to see a show on our stages, so we're looking to go that little bit deeper, I suppose.
"It is very much about connecting and expressing emotion, it merges both dance and theatre, literally."
Tamara said dance theatre had emerged as an artform in Germany and the workshop would draw heavily on the work of famous dance theatre practitioners such as Pina Bausch and Meryl Tankard.
"We're hoping that people who participate in a workshop or class will go out feeling a little more confident about their creativity."
Workshops will take place from 10.30am and 12pm on one Friday of each month. Numbers will be capped at 40 per workshop and the cost is $25 per person for each workshop, plus booking fee.
Tamara urged those who were interested to register as soon as possible to ensure availability.
"Bring a friend or come with a group of people if you want, but you're also going to meet new people as you come along."
If dancing isn't your thing, the Big Heart Sing public choir may be more your cup of tea.
Led by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, the free monthly choir is suitable for singers of all abilities.
The choir sings one Monday each month from 5.30-7pm.
Participants don't have to attend rehearsals, but are required to pre-register. Song sheets are provided before each session and the group jumps straight into the singing.
The choir covers a wide range of musical styles "from Beatles to Beethoven and ABBA to opera.
"We know the health benefits of singing and how it boosts joy. It's just (about) the simple power of communal song," she said.
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