By Keeley Hussain
A weekly over-55s dance class in Leicester’s Curve Theatre is proving that staying active is more than physical fitness, offering participants a strong sense of community, confidence, and wellbeing.
Run by Moving Together and led by practitioner Laura Bryan, the Keep Moving class is designed specifically for people aged 55 and over, providing a low-impact, inclusive alternative to traditional gym-based exercise.
The sessions aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for older adults who may feel intimidated or out of place in mainstream fitness spaces.
Laura said the class was developed with accessibility at its core.
“It is primarily for people over the age of 55. It is a low impact dance fitness class,” she explained, adding that many attendees are retired or anxious about attending gyms.
“You can come and be anyone you want to be, you can do as much or as little as you want.”
The class has been running since 2011 and has evolved over time.
Originally titled an ‘over-55s dance class,’ it was later renamed to Keep Moving after some organisers felt the original label discouraged some people from attending.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, sessions moved online, allowing the group to continue meeting, albeit less often.
Laura said the approach to movement has also changed.
“We’ve progressed and realised that we don’t need chairs, and we don’t need bands,” she said.
“If you keep moving, you are not going to lose those skills: balance, coordination, core muscles.”
Beyond physical benefits, the class has become a social lifeline for many participants.
Laura highlighted how friendships have naturally formed, with people meeting for tea and coffee before sessions.
“There’s been three widows that all came individually this year, they all went on a cruise together,” she said.
“Now outside of class, they meet up and stuff.”
Participants say the sense of belonging is just as important as the exercise itself.
Jo Joyce said the class had a noticeable impact on her wellbeing.
“It’s really good for your wellbeing and the people are so lovely here,” she said.
“We meet for coffee before we come, so I’ve made quite a few new friends.”
She added that physical benefits were equally important.
“It’s good for you to keep moving.”
Lauren, a former primary school teacher, said returning to dance felt like reconnecting with something she had missed.
“I have always loved dancing, but I gave up when I was little. So, I am doing something I wish I had done years ago.”
Creating a supportive environment is central to the class ethos.
Carol Ann Lincoln said participants are encouraged to work with their own abilities.
“She always gives us work arounds,” she said.
“She never makes people go out of their comfort zone which is what you need our age.”
Laura said that being mindful of emotional wellbeing is a key part of running the sessions.
“People may bring worries or concerns from outside the world,” she said.
“I have to make them feel great and build them up.”
As the class continues to grow, organisers hope it will challenge beliefs around ageing and fitness, showing that movement, creativity, and connection can remain central parts of life at any age.
For more information, visit their website.
