Widening the Boundaries

This article is based on information I gathered during my doctoral research, which focused on professional dancers aged over 40 who are still performing.1 I cite from interviews I have undertaken with dancers based nationally and internationally who initially responded to a survey I sent them regarding ageism and endurance in performance. My aim is to bring attention to their situation, and to give recognition to their craft and longevity. My research has shown that some—but not all—feel side-lined, with few opportunities given to perform; hence, they feel invisible. This marginalisation has caused discord among the cohort, leading them to feel that dance programmers do not know how or want to schedule them, thus depriving audiences of this unrepresented demographic.