Elderly Dancers Take the Stage in Mumbai: A Unique Performance at Ballard Estate
Mumbai-based choreographer Avantika Bahl has brought together a group of senior performers, aged 60 and above, to showcase their love for dance and movement in a multimedia performance at Ballard Estate.
Elderly DancersMumbaiBallard EstateAvantika BahlPrimeReal Estate MumbaiSep 17, 2025
When we’re told that Bahl is assembling a dance troupe of 60-plus dancers, it’s natural to be a bit concerned about the logistics. “That’s how unusual it is to hear of performers above the age of 60 taking a full stage performance head on,” she clarifies with a chuckle. “The performance was born out of the question, what happens when a dancer ages? Why do we stop seeing them on stage once they’re past their so-called ‘prime’?” the choreographer reveals.
After reaching out to senior performers whom she had seen in performance before, and urging them to rekindle their love for dance, Bahl finally had her dream team — the first eight who dared to take her up on it. The performers, including Odissi exponent Jhelum Paranjape, actor and dancer Faredoon Bhujwala, as well as dancer-performers Francis Cardoso, Manuella Cardoso, Saraswati Devdas, Sunila Ashok, Venkateswaran Akileswaran, and Venkatesh Iyer, have been converging at an Andheri studio for the past nine months to rehearse their big presentation, Prime.
Make no mistake; these are not your usual old timers twisting or slow-dancing under the spotlight. “The routine is very physical and movement-centred at its core,” Bahl says. A glimpse of the rehearsal where 67-year-old Venkateswaran, aka Venky, aces a finishing pose with his troupe mates holding him up in the air leaves no room for doubt. “It’s the best rehearsal room I’ve been in. The group has become the best of friends in these nine months. They’ve gone out shopping, for dinners, and much more. It’s heartwarming to see that,” Bahl shares.
“Although I’m a retired professional, a woman’s day is never free of demands. Balancing household commitments and rehearsal was a task,” says 60-year-old Manuella Cardoso. A task worth the effort, nevertheless. “Watching the show come together was one of the most fulfilling life experiences,” she adds. Cardoso might have had some extra incentive; we learn of long chai and coffee breaks between rehearsals that served as bonding sessions. “A tad too long for the boss?” we ask Bahl. “In fact, I think it was these sessions that really brought the show together!” she remarks.
Sunila Ashok, a 62-year-old dancer whose Instagram reels could give your favourite influencer a run for their money, recalls a struggle that’s all too relatable. “I live in Thane and we rehearsed in Andheri. With the way the roads are dug up, and the erratic rains, making the trek every day at 7 am, remains my highlight,” she laughs. “Knowing that we were doing what we love was the biggest motivator,” chimes in doctor-turned-dancer Venky.
While the group rehearsed, they had more than a few eyes on them. Rupali Gupte and Prasad Shetty, an architect-artist-urbanist duo, have crafted eight installations, each drawing from the mannerisms of one group member. “We attended several rehearsals. Both Prasad and I were struck by their personalities, the child-like energy, and their peculiar idiosyncrasies. At the show, the audience may feel free to touch, interact, and reshape these installations,” Gupte reveals. The only kicker — the exhibits will remain untitled — leaving the audiences to join the dots.
Accompanying the duo will be a documentary film that chronicles the group’s nine-month-long journey, shot by filmmaker Sruti Visweswaran. “Ageing is extremely personal. Instead of being passive spectators, we want the visitors to engage all their senses to experience these stories, and through them, their own,” shares Bahl.
With the Mumbai premiere this weekend, the group has only just begun a long artistic journey. Bahl wishes to take the show to stages across the city and unconventional spaces. The choreographer reveals, “Spaces like old age homes might benefit from a performance that reminds them that age is indeed just a number. We’re also planning to take it to schools across the city.” The crew will be more than happy, we’re sure; for old times’ sake.
ON: September 20 and 21; 7 pm
AT: IFBE, 10-12, Calicut Road, Ballard Estate, Fort.
LOG ON TO: altshows.com
ENTRY: Rs 600
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the performance?
The performance is titled 'Prime'.
Who is the choreographer of the performance?
The choreographer is Avantika Bahl.
Where and when is the performance taking place?
The performance is taking place at IFBE, 10-12, Calicut Road, Ballard Estate, Fort, on September 20 and 21 at 7 pm.
How long have the performers been rehearsing?
The performers have been rehearsing for the past nine months.
What additional elements will be part of the performance?
The performance will include installations created by Rupali Gupte and Prasad Shetty, as well as a documentary film by Sruti Visweswaran.
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