Our Story

In 2017, Artistic Director Lucy Haighton became a lead dance artist on the national falls prevention programme, Dance To Health. The project had volunteer roles, aged 50+ who assisted by supporting participants and the lead artist.

The volunteers were enjoying the Dance To Health classes but during this first year, some requested the set up of a contemporary dance class specifically for people 50+. This was because they wanted a dance class that was more advanced and focused on pure dance and movement, especially contemporary dance techniques and creativity. They felt there were no existing dance classes or groups available in Sheffield that represented their ages, mobilities and abilities as dancers.

With experience working across a wide variety of different dance settings and specialising in working with older adults, Lucy had been interested in developing a group like this for some time and so it was the right timing.

After a period of taster sessions and consultation with wider communities, 50+ Contemporary Dance Sheffield was established. From 2019-2020, classes were held at St Columba’s Church Hall in Crosspool before moving to The Montgomery Theatre and Arts Centre in early 2020. Due to Covid classes went online from March 2020 to August 2021. From September 2021 we have been based at the The University Drama Studio on Shearwood Road in Broomhall.