Can older babes boogie?
Of course they can, according to choreographer Nancy Cranbourne. They just move differently than the young dancers who tend to dominate the scene. Her company 40 Women Over 40 sets out to prove it again with “Feels Like Falling” at the Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder this weekend and next.
The dancers in 40 Women Over 40 have been as old as 75.
“The perception culturally is very limiting for aging women. We’ve created this tribe; and we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we’re dead serious about our mission,” said Cranbourne, 54.
The dance troupe’s mission speaks to embodying “sensuality, authority, humor and depth,” and encourages dancers to “leave their hearts on the stage at every performance” and to “define seasoned elegance.”
Cranbourne said, “We don’t preach anything about sexism; we just dance.”
The company includes women of all sizes, shapes and levels of professional dance experience. “They’re so empowered and grounded, and they’re doing this for themselves. They’re not coming from that proving place.”
Cranbourne said sashaying sex appeal doesn’t automatically dwindle after 40. The secret lies with authenticity.
“We’re not trying to act like younger women. We’re who we are,” she said. “Females have such innate power in their body and their sexuality. Older women know all about that. It’s simmering. It’s not boiling over. It’s seated. It’s not a push, but more an invitation.”
“Feels like Falling.”
Presented by 40 women Over 40 at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. Through Nov. 15. Today and Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. $26. 303-444-7328, or
