Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Rhys Thomas & Kristian Johnson & Rhys Thomas

Watch the moment troupe of dancing pensioners whip off cardigans to wow shoppers in Leeds

The White Rose Shopping Centre was taken over by an energetic bunch of dancing pensioners today who burst into a spontaneous moment of sheer joy.

Shortly after midday, dozens of dancers whipped off their dull beige clothing to reveal brightly coloured outfits as they twisted and jived along to music which was blared out of speakers.

Watch our video above to see the moment the dance troupe shocked passers by with their choreographed routine.

It wasn't simply a case of grandmas and grandads in Leeds having one too many morning coffees though.

SCROLL UP TO WATCH OUR VIDEO OF THE PIROUETTING PENSIONERS

In fact, it was all part of a bid to encourage more people to join a revolutionary scheme that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the city's older generation.

The Dance On project is run by the University of Leeds in conjunction with One Dance UK, Yorkshire Dance and Doncaster Community Arts and hosts a series of weekly hour-long sessions across the region.

Around 450 people have taken part in the project so far, with 160 of those in Leeds.

Dr Laura Britten, a University of Leeds researcher who helps to run the project, said: "Our role is to investigate if they dance programmes can improve activity levels.

"It's also to see if it can improve psychological wellbeing and it has a knock-on effect on other parts of their lives.

"The main thing to come out if it is actually the social element - meeting new people and giving them a get out of the house.

"It's absolutely amazing to be involved with. I feel really privileged to be part of such a great project."

If you missed the body-popping pensioners, there is another chance to catch their performance at the Leeds Playhouse.

They are performing at 11:45am on Saturday, October 26 as part of The Ageless Festival.

Alternatively, if you are interested in joining a local Dance On group, or know someone who might enjoy it, search for your nearest class on our interactive map above or visit the Dance On website for more details.

For more of today's top stories, click here.

LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date with the latest news! Click here to join and follow the instructions on your phone. Your number won't be shared with anyone else in the group.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.