How old is too old to dance?

Wednesday evening is my company class with Encore East, a Dance Company for the older dancer housed at Dance East, Ipswich - We are 14 dancers over 50 - I am the youngest at 52 and Pam is the oldest at 78.

Last night was our first class back after summer break and we are privileged to have a new tutor/mentor, dancer Chris Owen (The National Dance Company of Wales, Scottish Dance Theatre, Candoco Dance Company, National Theatre of Scotland. Christopher has worked with international choreographers including; Emanuel Gat, Hofesh Shechter, Nigel Charnock and the Trisha Brown Company)

Chris began the class with the expected introduction during which he told us he was in his mid-thirties and was still dancing - 'hanging on by his fingertips!'
What does it mean for an art-form when you struggle to sustain a presence after thirty?
I was surprised to be confronted with the embodiment of my research so soon after starting the course, I plan to use Chris as research.

On the drive home, Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' came on the radio, I found myself immersed in his gravelled voice, rasping vocal crescendos and mature celebration of all that is life - not once did I wonder about his right to create and perform his artwork at the age of fifty.
Much to ponder as I proceed on my MAPP journey.