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 one 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?

n Pier Piece, East 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.