Dance pro teacher turns resident into Dancing Queen
Gaynor Hand is quick stepping into becoming a real dancer thanks to long-time dance teacher and fellow Arvida Lauriston Park resident, Anne Broadbridge.
The 87-year-old former maternity and district nurse had been involved in some line dancing for a while but wanted to take the next step in dance.
She asked 85-year-old Anne if she’d be open to a half hour lesson. Now the resident-led regular lessons are an hour long and the duo are busy practicing for an upcoming recital of the ‘cha cha’ in front of their Cambridge retirement village community.
“It’s exciting but also daunting to be performing for people but it’s a bit of fun at the end of the day,” says Gaynor.
A dancer for life, Anne says Gaynor has good rhythm and has quickly picked up the dance steps after only a few months of practise.
“When we’ve done a bit of rock & roll or jive and I’ve taken Gaynor round in the quick step – she wasn’t doing very much. But now since she’s had lessons, she can do lock-steps and spins and she follows me quite nicely. People say hasn’t she come so far.”
Anne’s passion for dance and her colourful dance career started at five years old as a ballet dancer. Anne says life has always included many forms of dance such as ballroom, highland, greek and latin.
“You have to use your brain to keep your legs and balance. There’s real joy in dancing and it fills you with delight. When the music comes on it makes you want to dance.”
Anne's dance career included being part of the dance troupe in the 1957 British romantic comedy film, ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’ starring Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier. Anne says the three week stint on-set was eye-opening and not just because of the spectacular scenery and wardrobe.
“Marilyn looked absolutely beautiful but she couldn’t remember her lines and she frustrated Sir Olivier so much that he swore he’d never make a movie with the movie star again.”
Hearing Anne’s dancing stories helped to inspire Gaynor to live life her way and give dancing a go in the first place. “I’ve always loved dancing. My late husband was a good dancer and that appealed to me. Not only does it keep you fit but you also have to have coordination,” Gaynor explains.
With the recital just weeks away, Gaynor says she’s focusing on sequencing and the coordination of the footwork and hip movements. “We’re going to have fun and I’m sure everyone else will too.”
