Three-month trial puts dancers back in step

PENSIONERS who like to jive, waltz and rhumba are invited to indulge in their passion at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The future of regular dancing sessions was in doubt at the start of the year when the Pennine Lounge at Mumps closed its doors for good.

But Age Concern has managed to secure a three-month trial slot at the Queen Elizabeth Hall to give twinkle-toed elderly folk somewhere to jive.

Maggie Hurley, events organiser at Age Concern, said: “It’s a bit of testing our toe in the water — if we can attract a minimum of 80 people to each dance, the Queen Elizabeth Hall is happy to let us have dances every two weeks. Up to now, we have held a dance at the hall every month. This trial will decide if we are to stay monthly or increase to fortnightly.

Older people in Oldham love dancing, it’s a great way to keep active and meet friends old and new we really need to keep this popular pastime firmly on the calendar.”

The demand for afternoon dances has increased recently with the popularity of the TV show “Strictly Come Dancing”.

The next dance will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Wednesday, from 1pm.