Castlemaine’s renowned seniors dance troupe, the Silver Top Dancers, is seeking community support to purchase a set of spangly new uniforms.
The popular local group harbours dreams of auditioning for Australia’s Got Talent and has launched a GoFundMe campaign in a bid to raise $3000 to purchase the new outfits, which aim to bring a touch of glam to its dazzling dance routines.
The group represents seniors aged 60-87 and enjoys dance classes twice a week at Castlemaine’s Movement Zone Studio under the mentorship of local instructors Sarah ‘Sas’ Cook and Dr Richard Mayes.
Sas said the Silver Top Dance classes encouraged people of varying physical and psychological abilities to experience the benefits of dance in a safe, fun and non-judgmental environment.
“As well as providing all the benefits of dance and bringing us back to our younger, fitter selves, dance allows for movement despite injury and impairment,” she said.
“Through dance, a person can balance their physical and emotional health. Despite injury and impairment, dance provides all the benefits and the music transports us back in time.
“With Silver Tops, you’ll learn traditional dance techniques in funk, jazz, contemporary, rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop, and advanced exercises to improve flexibility, strength and body movement,” Sas said.
As the Silver Top classes have grown, the social aspect has become crucial, and members regularly catch up for coffee and excursions and are there to support one another in good times and bad.
Additionally, the troupe has performed and spoken at Seniors Week events and for a number of organisations, including The Hush Foundation, Dhelkaya Health (formerly Castlemaine Health), Mount Alexander Shire Council, Greater Bendigo Council and many more.
“Most of all we are about bringing the aging community together through fun and fitness!” Sas said.
To reach more seniors in the community and bring movement to them in an affordable way, such as taking their shows and classes to places like aged care homes, the Silver Tops recently decided to form an incorporated organisation and all funds raised will be managed by this group.
“Our board members are made up of Silver Top members and a council member and we hope to enter Australia’s Got Talent!” the dance instructor said.
In a bid to support the wider artist community, the group has employed a local young graphic artist to design a new Silver Tops new logo, and now needs a uniform to make its presence known.
“We are calling on the local community and beyond to help us reach our fundraising goal and make our dream a reality,” Sas said.
To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/f/silver-top-uniforms
