Over 60s Dance Event Takes Hastings by Storm
I had heard there was an afternoon dance club being organised for older people at the Observer Building and made the typical assumption of something rather staid – even though I’m an older person myself. But as Gwen, the events manager, ushered me through the bar area into ‘the ballroom’, leaving behind a grey and overcast day, I was hit by the sheer amount energy in room.
Dance The Day Away
This wasn’t something that was being organised to try and entertain the golden oldies, this was an event where the oldies were taking control and letting their hair down. It was no tea and biscuits affair, this was a chance to choose your own drinks, meet friends and, when the fancy took you, get up and dance – all in a club environment of live music and disco lights.
Richie Lee, resplendent in sparkling jacket, is belting out all the kind of songs that clearly keep his audience happy – including many of the fans I spoke to. A vox pop included plaudits like: “Absolutely fantastic!” “Unbelievable!” “Phenomenal” and after Richie’s powerful rendition of Nessun Dorma, “Absolutely beautiful!”.
Hastings folk have a reputation for dressing up and having a good time, and continuing to do this as they ‘age disgracefully’. Perhaps this is why, unlike Eastbourne, there are so few opportunities for the over 60s to get out and enjoy something specifically for them.
How Danceaway Came About
So last year, 79-year-young Janette Monaghan approached the Common Room (then conveniently located just across the road from where she lives in sheltered accommodation) to see if she could put that right. She’d been to the common room and seen people knitting and crocheting but felt there should be an opportunity to dance as well. One year on, she got the thumbs up from the Observer Building to run a monthly afternoon dance club. But now 80, was she ready to take this on?
“As long as my friend Pam Smith is there to help,” she said. And she was. So 60s Danceaway was born.
“I used to live up north,” Jan says, “and they had dancing for pensioners two or three times a week.” Apparently, she’d already tried to get something going in local pubs in the town but had always been told it could only happen in the evening. “But people our age want to be home by six,” she explained.
More to Come
This was only the second 60s Danceaway, but word has already got around. Starting with about 40 people, this time there were over 100. It looks like the festive season is going to get off to a dynamic start with the next Christmas Special 60s Danceaway set for 5 December.
Follow Hastings Commons on Facebook @HastingsOB or Instagram where you can see a video of the first event. @hastings_ob. For more information ring Gwen on 01424-230222
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I just love how you highlighted the vibrancy of the Over 60s Dance Event in Hastings. It sounds like such a lively community gathering! I’m curious about what type of dances were featured. Did they play a mix of old classics or more modern tunes as well? Seems like Hastings is the place for embracing life, age be damned. For those interested in event costs or planning a visit, you might want to peep at https://world-prices.com/en/uk/prices, though not sure how current their data is. Thanks for the inspiration, and here’s to aging disgracefully! 🎶
Richie Lee can play a huge range of music and changes his set to suit the audience.