The power of research: exploring active older people participating in Creative Dance – challenging perceptions

This paper contributes to understanding the power of participating in work-based doctoral research after a fulltime career. It explores ways in which active older people choose to participate in “creative dance” activities and how this may benefit them. It draws upon the first author’s experiences in using her leadership, management, presenting and coaching skills creatively, having decided to leave her career as a senior manager and return to dancing and community activities “to see what life will bring”. This includes becoming involved with dance performance activities, founding/managing a grassroots dance organisation, advising, networking and participating in projects concerning ageing and creative arts, whilst undertaking a work-based doctorate programme. Adaptable methodological approaches are explored so that uncertain new ad-hoc paid and voluntary work could be incorporated within research processes. The paper outlines findings about active older people dancing and recommends a way forward on issues concerning ageing; creativity and older people’s creative dance becoming mainstream. There is an argument for the social, political and health benefits of dancing for all, especially older adults and the need for more choices so that all ages can lead meaningful purposeful lives. This research challenges the stereotypes of retiring and becoming marginalised, showing positive aspects of entering the next stage of life and later stages of work, using skills and experience in new ways to benefit others as well as oneself