IT IS an acrobatic dance discipline not immediately associated with sexagenarians, but the first over-60s aerial dance class just got off the ground in the Scottish capital.
Jen Paterson of the All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre said as well as challenging perceptions and being a good way to exercise, it can be a social hub and a creative outlet for the imagination.
The Leith Drill Hall-based group started the first aerial dance class this week with two students, with 61-year-old Helen Alexander and Maggie Ellis, 65, being shown the ropes, or rather silks.
It is hoped a regular group of about eight-12 will take part in the 90-minute classes with two tutors.
The technique involving wrapped silk material has grown in popularity in recent years and can be spectacularly executed.
Ms Paterson said no particular level of fitness is required as moves can be adapted and harnesses used if needed.
She said: "We can adapt it for people to hold onto.
"It will help you build and suppleness and keeps the body moving.
"It challenges you as well, that this might be something you thought you would not be able to do.
"You work closely with other people so there's the social aspect and it is also creative."
Ms Paterson first offered aerial dance in taster classes in Greenock.
She said more older people are taking part in dance classes generally at Dance Base in the Grassmarket as a means of keeping in shape.
A five-week aerial dance course is £66.50.
The All or Nothing company is well established has toured theatres and venues across Scotland and performed as part of the theatrical spectacular Off Kilter as well as Glasgow Merchant City Festival and are regularly seen at launch events.
The company says it has has been central to the development of aerial dance in Scotland and their work spans both the professional and community sectors.
"As well as our own artistic work All or Nothing choreograph for professional artists, work with young people through charities and arts organisations, provide aerial choreographic mentoring and training, create large-scale community performances and bring aerial to the work of a variety of performance companies," it says.
http://www.aerialdance.co.uk/
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