Body Wisdom project for over 50s
BODY WISDOM: WEA and Echo Echo partnership project for Over 50s
The Learning Age Project was launched by WEA in November 2008 in Derry and is already proving its dedication to offering accessible courses for those aged 50 and over with a dance and movement project facilitated by Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company.
WEA Director Colin Neilands explains the importance of the Learning Age Project: "WEA has been involved in researching the benefits of learning in later life for some time now. Bringing together academic research and our experience of working with older people across Northern Ireland, we believe that taking part in learning can help reduce isolation, keep the body active, stimulate the mind, pass on new skills and even contribute to better health".
"Current government policy concentrates almost exclusively on the young which unfortunately results in there being fewer and fewer opportunities for older people to engage in affordable and suitable learning. Through the Learning Age Project, the WEA is directly addressing the lack of educational opportunities available by providing a programme of learning designed with older people in mind".
The WEA and Echo Echo have a history of success together therefore the two organisations have teamed up once again to offer a unique and innovative project for those aged 50+ in the community.
The course is called ‘Body Wisdom' based on the notion that wisdom and experience is written in the skin, muscles and bones. It will address health and well being of the body with the wonderful benefits of gentle dance and movement.
Facilitator and Co-Artistic Director of Echo Echo, Steve Batts said: "This is a lovely opportunity for anyone who would like to engage in dance and movement in a context, which values the physicality of older people. It will combine a concern with the physical benefits of movement with the pleasure of activating the imagination."
He adds: "In most art forms there is a respect for age. For example the writer finds a voice in their fifties, the blues singer has only begun at 60 or the painter's art comes to its creative peak in the 70's. Unfortunately in dance the emphasis is strongly placed on youth and athleticism. This course will start from respecting the experience, knowledge and wisdom of older people."
Sinead Devine, Development Officer for LAP (Western Area) comments: "We are delighted to be working with Echo Echo again following the success of the "Making Moves" project in 2007. This is a lovely opportunity for anyone who would like to engage in dance and movement and learn more about how the body operates as we get older but in a safe and gentle way. I look forward to visiting the class and seeing what they are gaining from the experience".
This 8-week course is scheduled to begin in April and is free to participants. If you are interested in participating in this project please contact Sinead Devine, Development Officer LAP on 028 71 369947.
This project is funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Fund.
Course details now confirmed:
Commences Friday 24th April for 8 weeks
10am to 12noon
at Echo Echo Dance Studio, Waterside Theatre - for directions click here
Early booking advised
