The Tewkesbury dance group for women to strut their stuff no matter their age
A showcase dancing spectacle to prove age is just a number
Dancing is for everyone - that is the message shared by a Tewkesbury dance school, which has once again performed its hard work to an audience at the Roses Theatre, a venue celebrating its 50th birthday this year.
You might think that this is just another dance group which caters for young people moving energetically to music, but you’re certainly mistaken. No matter what age or ability, The HE4T Dance Company has a dance class for both adults and children, a chance to make new friends and have fun.
Performing on stage takes guts but most importantly this is a feel-good, positive community story.
A chance to experience the stage
Teacher and choreographer Holi Courtney-Ward, 36, decided to start the group just after the pandemic, an opportunity to keep people’s fitness going and bring people together once again.
It began with a first class of just six members but now The HE4T has grown to nearly 200 members, an astonishing number that eventually saw the group perform a mega showcase of dancing at the Roses Theatre two years ago.
Described as one of the fastest selling shows Holi has ever organised, 2025 will now go down as the year The HE4T went one better with not one show, but two sell out shows for the Tewkesbury community to enjoy.
Ten classes in Tewkesbury and nearby Evesham for all ages including groups called Boppers aged 4-5, Minis aged 6-9, Juniors aged 10-13, The He4t aged 18-39, and The Dames aged 40 plus where their oldest member is 65.
Showcasing a range of dances including historical periods, musicals and a part of the show where even a surprise saw some dads perform on stage - the entertainment was there for the packed audience to clap their hands and raise the roof.
The age range, the growth in members and double the amount of shows proves from Holi’s point of view that age should be no barrier to what you can achieve.
“It is important for women because when you get to a certain age you can feel slightly invisible, Holi said. You’re not the cool mum anymore or the sexy 20-year-old you once were, but you still want to be seen and I want as many women in the community to be seen.”
“Giving the opportunity for women to strut their stuff and do shows on the stage is important and I could not ask for a better bunch of women. I am so proud for them to be beside me.”
Holi adds that the group is “non-judgemental, energetic and I cry when I see the children rehearse their dances because when they get up on the stage they perform with so much confidence.”
Finding the time to dance - the performers
The wider group is where to start on what makes the showcase a joy to take part in.
Tewkesbury resident Debbie Wiggins, 42, joined the group in September 2021 around a month after it first started. Described as a superstar performer, Debbie even went above and beyond on stage to do sign language for a singing section of the show.
“It means everything to be part of a community group and having our friends and family supporting us in the audience means a lot, Debbie said. It is a little bit scary to perform on a stage we've all grown up being a part of. What we are is a group of like-minded women and kids joining together to create an awesome friendship group and we're all addicted to dancing.”
For 31-year-old Sarah McVay this latest showcase is the first time she has danced on stage for 12 years. “It is amazing to be part of this and it is a wonderful occasion. The Roses has been a huge part of the town so having so much support for groups like us is really important.”
17-year-old Hanna Laszkiewicz views the group as her own escape away from exams. "It is honestly the greatest thing to see all our hard work come together. I used to dance when I was young but being with Holi I have found my love for dancing again, a chance for me to breathe away from any stress.”
A final word goes to 36-year-old Alice Mann who tells why she joined to show exactly why the group exists.
“Dancing on stage does take you outside your comfort zone but for me it is a chance to show my kids that mum does have a passion for something, Alice said. “I’m so grateful for what Holi has done because she allows mums like me to showcase our love of dancing and it has given me a new lease of life.”
Alice adds: “The best thing is I’ve met so many women who have never danced for 20 years who have come to join in no matter their experience. Without Holi doing a fantastic job as teacher I would not be meeting women older than me who find joy in dancing.”
A selection of images
Holi concludes that any new members are welcome to join The HE4T.
Below are some images submitted by the Roses Theatre audience which have been kindly shared to cherish a dance showcase that literally puts smiles on so many faces.
