Veteran Dancers Express Enduring Passion for Performance

Caroline Reece, 60, and Geoff Hopson, 53, two dancers in their fifties and sixties, have shared that performing continues to bring them happiness. They are currently featured in BalletLORENT’s “Snow White: The Sacrifice” production at Northern Stage in Newcastle. Mr. Hopson, for whom this marks his first performance in two decades following a back injury, stated he “absolutely loved” being part of the dance community, while Mrs. Reece commented that she “still got a kick” from it. Director Liv Lorent remarked, “Dance just isn’t the shape you are, it’s how you move.” Mr. Hopson, a native of Stockton, attended drama school in London and portrays both the king and a miner in the production, which is scheduled to run from October 31 to November 4. Mr. Hopson stated, “I’ve been involved in the dance world for about 38 years now, but I absolutely love it.” Mrs. Reece, originally from Devon, has been performing since the age of 18. Mrs. Reece commented, “There’s more to performing than just a costume and the lights going up, it’s what you bring to a piece, and I still get a kick out of it.” She added, “I certainly thought I would have stopped dancing before now, and of course you do get injuries throughout your career.” Mrs. Reece further explained, “As I have been offered work and I’ve been been able to continue to work and I’ve been continued to be employed by our director. Liv is extraordinary.” She concluded, “Not all choreographers want to work with a range of ages. I’m very lucky that I’ve been able to work a lot”. For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its approach to external linking.