Andy Newman 1961-2026
Andy Newman was an inspiring dancer and a powerful force for redefining what it means to age.
As a proud "geri-anarchist," he joyfully upended societal expectations, proving that movement, passion, and creativity belong to every stage of life.
Andy possessed that rare, magnetic talent to make things happen. He wasn't just an exciting performer; he was a natural facilitator and a true catalyst who brought people together and turned collective artistic energy into reality. Whether playfully dancing in the autumn leaves or taking centre stage to challenge stereotypes, his resilience, warmth, and artistry enriched everything he touched.
Andy’s legacy remains entirely alive in the rhythm, spaces, and dance community he helped build. He will be deeply missed, but his grand gestures will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Andy, for your energy and talent and the unforgettable connections you sparked.
It’s a wrap!
We had a great time working with Anders Larsson on his documentary film Geri-Anarchists about Grand Gesture.
Thrilled to be finalists in the first national Advantages of Age Awards 2023.
69
In Grand Gesture’s new work 69 we leap back into the culture-defining moments of an iconic year. The moon landing. Concorde’s first flight. The Stonewall riots which ignited the Gay Liberation movement. Woodstock. Colour TV. To name just a few. Oh, and sex was everywhere. Censorship in the theatre had ended and nude stage shows such as Oh Calcutta and Hair opened. It was a time when we questioned authority, demanded more freedoms, and dreamed of a better world.
Performers: Mary Cox, Bruce Currie, Gilly Hanna
Music: Soundscape: Alice Mills.
Grand Gesture Groove: David Dutfield
Stage manager: Lucy Bennett
Coming soon: 69
June 15th
Here we are busy recording an original track for our new work, premiering in June as part of @CriticalMoment2023, an evening of dance theatre, at the Royal Academy of Dance in London SW11, produced by linda.foster.14289. #WAF2023 @kolnuarts
Royal Academy of Dance
London
All dressed up
Their Graces in decadent disguise prepare to dance and parade at a black and white masquerade.
Be more tree
Bruce Currie is branching out in our latest upcoming all-original dance theatre show. We’re rooting for you Bruce!
Costume fitting for our next show. You look great Andy!
Resolution 2022
Coming of Age
Coming of Age, featuring Mary Cox, Andy Newman and Charlie Ann Blair, examines the ageing body from an intergenerational perspective. Is there really a generation gap? Or are there experiences and revelations that are shared? This performance mixes music and spoken word interpreted through a variety of styles – contemporary, hip hop and break dance alongside physical theatre.
Feeling festive
“ We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.”
Marilyn Monroe
Bruce Currie in ‘Dance Me To Death’ by Rose Rouse.
Bruce Currie is appearing in this Arts Council England-funded collaboration between Advantages of Age and choreographers, Fubunation. The ten over-60s dancers honour the dead as they perform in the Victorian Kensal Green cemetery June 26 2021.
Bruce and Mary starred and danced in the launch of Generation Pale Ale, a new beer from Brixton Brewery, celebrating older people who enjoy a great night out.
Interview
Gilly was invited to reveal her thoughts on growing older for Advantages of Age, the social enterprise challenging media stereotypes around ageing.
Gilly having fun at Coal Drops Yard
Ageism
TOO OLD TO DANCE ON STAGE?
In November 2018, fed up with the lack of opportunity to create and perform challenging and entertaining work, Mary Cox founded Grand Gesture, a new company of older dance theatre artists based in London. “We refuse to be consigned to the creative scrapheap just because we’re older,” says Mary Cox.