A NEW contemporary dance company for men and women over 60 has been set up at Salisbury Playhouse.

Dance Six-O will run weekly dance classes as well as a performance group at Salisbury Playhouse led by professional dance teachers.

The classes aim to give people in later life the chance to express themselves through movement, learn new routines and have fun, as well as experiencing the physical, mental and social benefits of dance.

And the company has just been awarded funding from Wiltshire Community Foundation to cover start-up costs for its first year.

A spokesman for the theatre said: “Meg Edgar, Philippa Hesseltine and Judith Bossano were inspired to launch the dance company after they attended a festival of dance, celebrating creativity in later life, at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.

"Due to high demand the Wednesday classes are now fully booked, except for a few places after October, but there is still the opportunity to audition to perform regularly with the Dance Six-O Company which meets on a Thursday.”

A selection workshop will take place on September 10 and places can be booked through Salisbury Playhouse’s ticket office on 01722 320333.

The first public performance will be in October with Lila Dance Company at Salisbury Arts Centre.