TWO FIRSTS: John Koster with the award winning performers from the Annie Rose Dance Academy including Lorraine Ramsden, Chris Hill, Denise Greenaway, Val Smoker, Pat Coster, Jenny Osborne, Marion Blackley and Margaret Fronsen (absent).
THE Annie Rose Dance Academy has done it again – taking out first place in both sections entered during the Taree and District Eisteddfod.
The mature age dancers (mostly over 55) did the same at last year’s eisteddfod.
They placed first in the Open 25 Years and Over and shared equal first place in the Open 40years and Over group sections.
With two new members for this year’s performance, the dancers worked hard to refine their routines, dancing to Tuxedo Junction, The Boy from New York City and Stairway to Paradise.
They like to: ‘dance as though no one is watching’ and believe in the saying: ‘use it or lose it’.
They use their love of dance to exercise and stimulate both body and mind under the excellent tutelage of Bev Williamson at the Hallidays Point Community Church.
Denise Greenaway is a long standing member of the academy and danced with Bev when she first taught in Taree during the mid 70s, and looked forward to doing it again as a form of exercise in her senior years.
“The physical exercise is great for increasing my fitness, and remembering dance steps and routines is a great workout for the brain.”
Denise also puts her sewing skills to the test creating their eye-catching costumes.
“I have always loved sewing and home dressmaking – so designing and creating our dance costumes as part of a team, is also great fun. Being part of the team is, of course, the very best part of being in the group. The girls are fun loving, very caring and great friends.
“I guess that’s why we keep dancing through our arthritis, sciatica, aches and pains – it ain’t always pretty - but it’s fun and the pain soon goes away.”
The academy is now into its third year of operation, so many of the dancers have grown in skill and technique, even though many have come from a non-dancing background. The emphasis is on fitness, fun and sharing the joy – any winning is a bonus.