BEACHGOERS at West Bay can enjoy a double bill of performance by some inspiring older dancers this weekend.

Grace and Growl will take to West Bay's East Pier for two free performances of Pier Piece at 6pm and 7pm on Saturday, July 7.

Pier Piece is a dance inspired by the landscape and working history of Bridport.

The company is a contemporary dance theatre company for the older dancer, led by the resident professional artistic director and choreographer, Anna Golding, graduate of Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Anna said: “Grace and Growl have enjoyed making a piece of dance inspired by the landscape and working history of Bridport.

"We have researched oral archives around rope making and discovered an interview with local rope maker, Mrs Legge, who demonstrates her incredible manual technique to Richard Dimbleby at her home in 1951.

"These words have evolved into a song which has become woven into the dance. We have also spent time drawing and writing about the beautiful West Bay landscape and this too has inspired our choreography. We hope that holiday makers and locals will enjoy Pier Piece."

Grace and Growl consists of 11 women and 1 man, with ages ranging from 69 to 50. They meet every week to rehearse and have classes regularly, with extra full day classes to perfect performances.

They developed into a performance company from a community dance class, created by Activate Performing Arts, the Arts Council arts organisation for Dorset. The company develops original work with Anna, and other choreographers with a view to seeking opportunities to perform.

They are affiliated with the Bridport Arts Centre and recently performed there with the Kelly-Abbott dance company in Launch Day and as a curtain raiser before “It’s OK I’m dealing with it”.

Deborah Winstone, one of the founding members of the company, said: “A chance conversation with a neighbour made me aware of Dance a Day dance classes in Charmouth but for that I would probably not have met Anna Golding, gone to Dance a Day and in turn become part of the company that is Grace & Growl.

"I am so very grateful that conversation took place....serendipity at work I think.

"Who would have thought that Grace & Growl would have become such a central part of my life and have opened up such wonderful opportunities along the way?

"Building Pier Piece has been just lovely, a gradual coming together of the various strands of information and historical reference as described by Anna and reflecting that detail in our movements and sounds. With the amazing backdrop of the raw and magnificent East Cliff how could we fail to be inspired?"

Deborah said rehearsals have taken place at East Pier on beautiful days with wall to wall sunshine.

She added: "The really quaint and so of its time interview with Richard Dimbleby provides both the key words to the accompanying song, speech and the patterns of movement.

"I hope that those who come to these performances on July 7 get a sense of this unique place and its history.”

Grace & Growl is celebrating two years of dance and friendship and would be pleased to welcome other older dancers (50+) to join them for a class combining technique and creativity. They are holding an open class on Tuesday, July 10 at The Ballroom in The Bull Hotel, Bridport from 10.30am to 1.30pm for £10.

he warm-up and technique session will be led by Anna Golding. This will be followed by a creative session led by Laban-trained teacher, Wendy Hermelin. There will be an opportunity to discuss the class at the end.

No dance experience is necessary, just an open-hearted willingness to work together. Booking is essential and places are limited so booking will be on a first come, first served basis.

Contact jackie.henville@me.com for more information and to book.

*Pier Piece, Eat Pier, West Bay, Saturday July 7, 6pm and 7pm. There is no entrance fee, the audience can come along to the pier and find places to stand or sit to watch the company.