10 Nov 2024
A cross-generational dance partnership is wowing audiences across the district.
Keely Rolls, 40, and her nan Mary, 83, have teamed up to present a tap dancing routine with a difference – they’re both sitting down.
Keely explained: “My nan and I share this incredible bond and a love for dance. My nan’s tap dancing always inspired me, and since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of dancing alongside her. It hasn’t been an easy journey though, as we’ve both had our fair share of health issues and surgeries over the years.
“I’m now permanently in a wheelchair due to my condition, and my nan is in her eighties, and we hadn’t danced in about 25 years. Despite the challenges, I never gave up on my dream of dancing with her.
“For my 40th birthday last month, we surprised everyone at my party with a seated dance performance that we had been secretly practicing for months. The reaction was amazing, and our story has resonated with so many people in our community. We’ve been invited to perform at other events and venues, and we’re really excited about spreading our message of hope, resilience and determination.”
Both Mary and Keely are St Albans born and bred, and although they both attended the same dance school – Susan Ford School of Dancing – they had never shared a stage before now.
Keely has not danced for around 15 years, after her mobility diminished in adult life because of chronic pain and low bone density in her limbs, and since 2020 she has been permanently in a wheelchair.
Her birthday party was held at New Greens Social Club in High Oaks, and their performance went down a storm: “Initially, I think the pair of us were just relieved that we had actually pulled it off, but since then, I have been gushing with pride.
“I have certainly achieve an item on my bucket list, a niggle I needed to itch. My mum cried when she saw us rehearsing the day before, and said ‘I never thought I would see either of you dance again, let alone this, it’s amazing.”
Since their New Greens show, they have also performed at The Community Shed at St Stephen’s Church and Maple Ladies’ Club, with a future gig at Buddhist Sokka Gakkai International in January.
