‘There’s just this fierceness to it’: MADE Tasmania celebrates 20 years

The thought of dancing in public might rattle some, but not Mature Artists Dance Experience members Mary Eckhardt and Nikki Johnston. Read their stories >>

MADE board member Nikki Johnston and Founding MADE Ensemble member Mary Eckhardt. Picture: Linda Higginson

The thought of dancing in public might rattle some, but not Mary Eckhardt and Nikki Johnston.

The dynamic dancing duo are members of the Mature Artists Dance Experience (MADE).

Ms Eckhardt became involved with MADE 18 years ago, when she responded to an ad in the newspaper seeking dancers for a new mature-aged dance theatre group.

As an inaugural board member and company co-manager, she helped the organisation become a pioneer in the representation of mature-aged dancers within the arts, with its stellar reputation attracting participants from across state looking to get back in touch with their childhood passion.

Ms Johnston was one of those people, joining the group two years ago, post-retirement to later become a board member, fundraising director, and community dance class member.

“It was the challenging of ageing stereotypes that really appealed to me,” Ms Johnston said.

“At that sort of age there’s no fear that we’re going to be recruited for the Australian Ballet or Sydney Dance Company, so it doesn’t matter if your bottom is a little bit big or you’re not the shape of a traditional dancer.

“There’s just this fierceness to it.”

LR- Mary Elkhardt, Shirley Gibson, Lucinda Sharp, Annie Greenhill, Christine Bell, Penny Carey-Wells, and Choreographer Liz Aggiss, getting ready for their show MADE TO LAST at the Theatre Royal. Picture : Mireille Merlet

Based out of Hobart and Devonport, MADE holds both community dance classes in a range of categories including contemporary technique, classical ballet and improvisation, and also boasts a highly-trained 28-member competitive ensemble group.

Next month, the two dancers will be among those celebrating a major milestone for the organisation – its 20 year anniversary.

Ms Johnston said it was a moment to reflect on how far the group had come.

“MADE was really ahead of its time,” she said.

“It was the first to really understand the connection between mental wellbeing and physical health for older women’s bodies, and the importance of keeping us connected and keeping us moving.”

“We’re the sandwich generation, and within the group there’s a real understanding of what that means,” Ms Eckhardt said.

“People always talk about older women feeling invisible, but here we can give people the confidence to not feel that way.

“To know you’re in the place you’re meant to be.”

Front row L-R Annie Greenhill, Shirley Gibson, Christine Bell, Kate Ireland, Lucinda Sharp, Christine Keele. Back row L-R Jill Clennett, Penny Carey-Wells, Aska Smietanska. MADE (Mature Artists Dance Experience) ahead of their new dance work 'To Carry/To Hold' that will tour the state. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Its 20 year anniversary will be a fabulous dance and dress-up party, Ms Johnston said, with live music from all female mature-aged jazz band Cadence and DJ Nanna T.

She said it would maintain the atmosphere within the community dance classes – one of joy, creativity, connection and community.

“It’s a party to celebrate the past, but it’s also a party to raise awareness,” she said.

“And there will be cake.”

Ms Johnston encouraged anyone curious to come along – even if they may be anxious at the thought of dancing in public.

“Creativity doesn’t have a use by date,” Ms Johnston said.

“This is an opportunity to rediscover what your body can do.”

Mature Aged Dance Experience 20th anniversary party takes place Saturday August 9, 6pm to 10pm at the Salamanca Arts Centre Founders Room.

For more information visit madecompany.com.au