Loudly Confident
31.05.2026
We recently asked our dancers for feedback about their experience of our 50+ Contemporary Dance Sheffield classes. Strikingly many shared their conviction about the way the classes built their confidence, so it is worth taking a moment to think about precisely how and why. Starting to dance at any age can feel intimidating, but aged 50+ it can feel like a very big step to try something new or begin to dance again after a long gap as one of our dancers shared:
I do not have a background in dance and was initially worried about joining this group. However since the atmosphere is non judgemental I have been able to participate and enjoy each week's programme with the confidence of knowing that I am tackling the routines as part of the group. Participant
Being part of 50+ CDS makes a significant impact on my life, enabling me to dance even after a huge gap and after being a parent, after illness and bereavement. I’ve built confidence and the ability to express my thoughts, ideas and feelings in a safe space. Participant
It is important then that the classes are not competitive and that dancers can trust others in the group to be supportive. The classes are also not about pushing people to become ‘good’ at dancing, instead the focus is on enjoyment:
The atmosphere is so encouraging and non-competitive that it frees me from any self consciousness. Participant
I am growing in confidence and can tell as I am getting less worried about getting it wrong. Participant
It's a day I look forward to, and never fail to be so happy after each session. I would wish for this experience to be part of every day of my life! Participant
In dance, gaining confidence is also linked to using the body in new ways, not worrying about appearance or making mistakes:
After a while you stop worrying about what you look like and just enjoy moving to music. Participant
For some, dance also provides an opportunity to be sociable, creative and collaborative without relying on speech.
The weekly session of dance enables me to exercise in a creative and enjoyable manner, critically important in older age. The group members are open and friendly and the social aspect of Wednesday morning sessions is vitally important for my emotional and mental wellbeing. Participant
I think the act of dancing without the pressure to speak, has helped me regain my confidence and feel comfortable around others. Participant 5
0+ dancers also clearly value the connection with others and the opportunity to be creative.
I feel very empowered by the [mostly] women I have met at the class. They are so welcoming and inclusive, so that I DO feel that must have had an impact on my confidence. Participant
It has brought a strong sense of connection with others and willingness to explore and create in playful ways that typically would not happen. Participant
Helps make me feel more inspired, connected and more confident expressing myself. It is a tremendous physical and mental workout and also really helps stimulate my memory capacity. Participant
Unique! It's given me a community that I love being part of, it exercises my body and my mind. Participant
50+ adopts a strategy of challenging stereotypes about older people by making them more visible in public and online spaces. We often film or photograph classes and post content online and this clearly also impacts on building confidence and empowerment:
I also love being part of the wider movement of making older women more visible - not happy, clapping grannies in chairs but really powerful, intense or funny work out there in digital spaces. Participant
It helps to make me more confident generally, both physically and in giving me space to have a voice. Participant
Dancing collectively in a non-judgemental, well-held group can really support the development of confidence and key to this is the focus on dancing for pleasure. But, developing confidence is not a simple or single thing. It's an exciting mix of building trust in people, processes and spaces. And it is not enough to be quietly confident. To build confidence we also need to be loud and bold about our work, making it visible to ensure that older bodies are seen and celebrated.
