Belly good show by these brave over-50s

As seen in the Salford Advertiser February 07, 2008:

A GROUP of adventurous over-50s have been lifting the veil on the ancient art of belly dancing.

The women of the Walkden Guild Hall have been learning to shake, rattle and roll under the expert tuition of dance teacher Michelle Pender.

And for energetic pensioner Vida Johnson, 77, of Walkden, it has proved the ideal way to meet new friends while learning a new talent.

Vida, a former primary school teacher, said: "A few of us had joined the Salford Primary Care Trust’s Creative Start 50 Plus project, and had already taken part in courses, such as creative writing and water colour painting.

"Then it came to the healthy exercise course and, just as a joke, we suggested belly dancing, not really thinking our co-ordinator Rosie Evans would be able to organise it.

"But she did and we found ourselves having lessons with professional dance tutor Michelle Pender.

"To be honest, it’s a bit of a laugh. We have enormous fun, but I don’t think any of us are going to make a career of it."

Fellow group member Christine Seddon, 56, also from Walkden, said: "It’s really nice to come to something where you can just join in, free from outside stresses.

"It doesn’t matter if you get it wrong, it’s all about having a go."

And the seal of approval came from tutor Michelle Pender, who added: "The ladies at Walkden are doing movements other groups can’t manage - they’ve learnt so much in just three weeks."

There are new Creative Start 50 Plus groups currently starting across the city.

Apart from learning to belly dance, members can enjoy many other creative activities, including healthy hips and hearts classes, reminiscence sessions, and assisted exercise therapy.

Anyone who is a Salford resident, over 50 and would like further information can contact project co-ordinators Rosie Evans or Danny Morrell on: 0161 351 6000.