About 50+CDS

50+ Contemporary Dance Sheffield is an independent community group providing regular contemporary dance and creative engagement opportunities through classes and performances for people aged 50+ in Sheffield. We offer weekly dance classes, creative workshops and our performance company Third Bite Dance. We are based at the University Drama Studio on Shearwood Road in Sheffield.

50+CDS was founded in 2019 by Artistic Director Lucy Haighton. Third Bite Dance was then established to create a company for those members who wished to develop work for performance.

In March 2026, Lucy stepped down from the Artistic Director role to concentrate on her own creative practise. She delivered countless joyful classes for us and, together with TBD, has created films and performances which have been shown nationwide. Lucy will continue to work with 50+CDS and TBD in the role of visiting artist..

The 50+CDS Committee

  • Lucy Haighton

    Founder & Artistic Director

    Lucy is the Artistic Director and founder of 50+CDS and Third Bite Dance. Lucy is an independent dance artist, choreographer and community dance practitioner based in Sheffield

  • Clare McManus

    Chair & Company Member

    Clare trained in mime and movement many years ago and is relishing the chance to learn new dance skills. Clare joined 50+CDS when it began in 2019 and was a lead in the set up of Third Bite Dance

  • Alison Lally

    Treasurer & Company Member

    Alison is loving dancing again, after a 33 year gap, and is discovering a whole new creative world. Alison joined 50+CDS wen it began in 2019 and was a lead in the set up of Third Bite Dance

Friends of the Committee

  • Liz Hall

    Liz has been in 50+CDS and Third Bite Dance since they started. Liz helps fundraise for our projects by working with the committee to write and support funding applications. Liz was also on the committee for many years

  • Steve Holmes

    Steve joined 50+CDS in 2020 and has been in Third Bite Dance since it started. Steve writes our 50+CDS newsletters

  • Becky Parry

    Becky joined 50+CDS in 2022 and Third Bite Dance in 2023. Becky helps fundraise for our projects by working with the committee to write and support funding applications. Becky also offers input on our strategic and organisational development

  • Pam Marshall

    Pam joined 50+CDS in 2019 and has been in Third Bite Dance since it began. Pam takes minutes at our Annual General Meetings and helps with organising guest artists

  • Frances Byrnes

    Francs joined 50+CDS and Third Bite Dance in 2024. Frances is our company writer and reporter. In 2024, Frances wrote an article about Third Bite Dance for the Sheffield Tribune

  • Jane Mellor

    Jane has been in 50+CDS and Third Bite Dance since they began. Jane supports with marketing