Embracing Dance as an Adult: Overcoming Barriers and Finding Joy with Charlie Cooper Dance

Photograph taken by Ellie Holmes.

Going back to dance as an adult can sometimes be scary. We are too often reminded of the dance industry we may have experienced as a child or a teenager. For some of us this may be a positive experience, but for others, not so much. So I guess I'm wondering, how does dance serve you, now that you're an adult? We find that there are always sports or fitness classes for adults, with the 'goal' or advert of getting stronger, getting fitter, losing weight. But where are the things for adults that makes us happy, that brings us joy, or sparks our passion? The things that speak to our inner child.

Charlie Cooper Dance first started in 2018 with "Sass Classes" for adults in Cornwall who wanted to dance. I found that most people attending these classes were adults trying to find their place again in the dance world. But as an adult it can be daunting to walk back through studio doors and stand in front of a mirror for an hour. But what if you were surrounded by like wise adults, who are either equally as anxious, or understand how you're feeling? What if these adults were also really supportive of you and genuinely wanted to see you do well and thrive?

That was the goal for CCD, to create a community where adult dancers can overcome their challenges, barriers and fears and embrace the dance world again. Or should I say, have the dance world embrace them? The industry can be so harsh, so critical. But when you find your space and find your community, that harshness disappears. The love from everyone else in the studio will encourage you to find your own self love, it encourages you to just give it a go and see what happens. It might take a little while, or it might not take long at all, but gradually you start to believe in yourself again.

I've worked in Early Years since 2013, and something I have learnt is that children thrive with something called the PACE approach - Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy. But I may argue that this isn't just relative to children, but to all people. Because actually all of those things will allow anyone to feel safe, to be themselves and to feel seen. The PACE Approach is subconsciously encouraged in all CCD classes. Creating a space where you can thrive, where you can be playful and silly, where you can embrace yourself with full acceptance. It means that you can come as you are, regardless of how you're feeling that day and be wholly embraced and welcomed. You don't have to show up and be on your top form, you don't have to get everything right, you don't have to be perfect.

Charlie Cooper Dance is a safe space for adult dancers in Cornwall, to find their love for dance again, reignite their passion, and lead with their hearts. It's a place where the focus isn't losing weight, getting stronger or getting fitter. It's a place with a focus on you, whatever your personal achievement is - find your tribe, fall in love with dance again, fall in love with yourself, feel happier etc.

CCD is where you don't just hear the roars of encouragement, but you feel it too.

CCD is where the heart is.