62: A memoir in dance

Fresh from ensemble performances at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Kathy Derrick brings her first solo work to the stage, a deeply personal exploration told through movement. At 62, Kathy has chosen to challenge aging and the limits it too often imposes. Each dance traces her journey through change, courage, and becoming — a celebration of body, memory, and spirit. 62: A memoir in dance is an invitation to witness what it means to grow older with grace and fire. 
 

Kathy Derrrick - choreographer and performer. As a child, Kathy Derrick longed to take dance lessons but she lived too far from town, and lessons were too expensive. So, instead, she cleared a space in the lounge, put the Everly Brothers on the record player, and moved to the music. When she was 19, she attended her first official dance class and didn’t stop until her early 30s. With 62: A memoir in dance, she is reclaiming dance after a 30 year hiatus and challenging what it means to age.

Jorge Crecis - co-choreographer and mentor. Jorge Crecis holds a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, a PhD from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a Master's degree in Coaching for Elite Athletes. He has also studied contemporary dance at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid and the Conservatory of Granada.  His internationally acclaimed career as a choreographer has given him a profound understanding of how to combine physicality, technical precision, and emotional management in high-performance contexts. His creations have been presented at New York City Center, Sadler's Wells, and the Royal Opera House, and he has collaborated with renowned figures in film and music, including Paul McCartney. 

David Thunder - physical coach and mentor. David Thunder has over 25 years of clinical experience and has travelled all over the world to work with extraordinary people, including celebrities, royalty, elite dancers, athletes, and children. A relentless curiosity and an appetite to learn have led him down many paths of study in the fields of health, coaching, and personal development. His recent work has grown to include the latest trends in neuroscience, neuroplasticity and functional movement. 

Additional support from Karen Martin (director), Claire Gordon (photography), Vivian Thonger and Judy Terry (venue), and my wonderful supporters here on Boosted.

Expense to be covered by Boosted campaign

• Venue - $500
• Lighting and Sound - $1500

Other expenses

• Recording - $1000
• Rehearsal space - $1000

62: A memoir in dance is a solo dance performance by Kathy Derrick. Kathy loved turning 30, 40 and 50, but turning 60 hit her differently. It was scarier, harder. As a child, the only people she knew over 60 were her grandparents. And they were old. Two of them passed away in their sixties. Sitting with this uncomfortable feeling of aging, Kathy decided to confront her belief that 60 marks the start of decline by producing this memoir of her life in dance. Sixty isn't the end, it is just the beginning.

Our population is aging. In the 2023 census, 22.5% of New Zealand's population was aged over 60 and this percentage will only grow. Many may fear what these later years will look like - as I did. This project, from someone who took up dancing at 19 and hasn't danced in 30 years, is a challenge to aging and ageism. We have many vibrant years left and I'm hoping my solo performance will encourage others over 60 to face their fears and live life to the fullest. Life's too short not to dance.