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 Lucy Haighton. Third Bite Dance was then established to create a company for those members who wished to develop work for performance. In addition to being artistic director, over the years she has not only delivered Wednesday morning classes but has also: facilitated outdoor workshops; designed and delivered projects large and small with partners across the city; produced tours and performances; choreographed and co-created new works; curated and hosted live and online events; and worked with the committee to successfully fundraise to bring creative engagement opportunities to communities aged 50+ in South Yorkshire. 

In March 2026, Lucy stepped down from the Artistic Director role to concentrate on her own creative practise.  Lucy will continue to work with 50+CDS and Third Bite Dancein the role of visiting artist..

The voluntary committee is continuing to run 50+CDS and Third Bite Dance, supported by other members of the group.

The 50+CDS Committee

  • 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

  • Liz Hall

    General member of the Committee and Company Member

    Liz has been in 50+CDS and Third Bite Dance since it started. As a practising artist she contributes
    to the creative vision for the company, and is involved in securing funding including several successful bids to date.

Friends of the Committee

  • 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