Joyce Reddy wants to dispel the ageist accusations she and other older adults regularly face—that they are slow, immobile and ignorant of changes.
“Let’s accept them in everything. Anything that they can do, let’s accept them,” said Reddy.
Reddy found her way of challenging stereotypes about older generations by teaching dance to older adults, four times a week. Taking place at the Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre in Calgary, Reddy creates a sense of community and empowerment during her classes.
What is ageism?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ageism consists of stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or ourselves based on age.
Ageism can target any age group. For example, it can involve telling a child they are “too young to understand” when they have not been given the chance to understand, or letting out a loud sigh at the checkout because you assume the older adult in front of you will take forever.
A 2022 survey by the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial (FPT) Forum of Ministers Responsible for Seniors found that about half of respondents had experienced ageism.
Ageism is often invisible or overlooked, yet widespread. While global organizations are slowly starting to combat it, Reddy has been doing so since she started teaching older adults in 1970.
Empowerment of dance
At the Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre, Reddy teaches tap, ballet, jazz and energizing dance to older adults at different levels. There’s no such thing as being “too old” for anything for her, so you can see a group of students ranging from ages 60 to 90 doing a dance routine to Cher’s “Welcome to Burlesque” in the dance room.
About 15 women dedicate an hour of their Thursday afternoon to dancing and cultivating their community, while Reddy skillfully guides them through the class.
Jeannette Provo, executive director of the Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre, has known Reddy for more than 20 years. Provo said Reddy’s dance classes have made a difference.
“I feel like she brings the gift of joy because all the people that are in her class, you see them smiling. You see them having a good time. You see them tapping their toes or listening to the music,” said Provo.
Reddy’s mission
Born in England, Reddy started working as a professional dancer at age 15. After touring Canada with a dance company, she eventually settled in Calgary. At one point in her life, Reddy ran her own dance school in Calgary while simultaneously teaching, examining students, and performing.
Reddy says she wants to tackle the sense of disbelief in older adults by sharing her passion for dance with them.
“It’s the ‘oh I can’t do that,’ or ‘you shouldn’t be doing that,’ or ‘Old people don’t do that.’ I want to get rid of all of those things,” said Reddy.
Reddy always adapts throughout her choreographies to different levels of functionality and ability. However, she still aims to push her students to do their best within their range of mobility.
Her approach is about breaking down mental barriers and helping older adults realize their full potential. That’s why she doesn’t get tired of reminding her students that this is where they come to grow, relax, and feel strong.
“I’m teaching them everything I would teach younger students, too. We just skip the jumps and turns,” Reddy said.
Reddy wishes people were more open-minded about the future of older adult dance programs and any physical activity with aging bodies.
“If you’re physically and mentally capable and able, then do it, because that’s going to keep you mentally and physically able,” said Reddy.
While every older adult is welcome to join one of Reddy’s dance classes, ageism certainly isn’t.