What Happened
Joanna Banks first performed in Belfast in 1958 at age 18 with the Royal Ballet. Now 86, she stars in Luail Dance Company's Trojans, a modern take on The Aeneid by choreographer Philip Connaughton, at Lisburn's Island Arts Centre on Wednesday and Thursday. Young dancer Clara Kerr calls her 'so inspiring' and shares dressing room stories of her epic career.
Why You Should Care
Proof you can chase dreams into your 80s without the grim reaper cutting in — inspires your next gym session or hobby revival.
📚 The Basics
Ballet is classical dance from 15th-century Italy, emphasizing precise footwork, turns, and leaps performed on toes for women. Contemporary dance mixes ballet with modern styles, using floor work, improvisation, and themes like war or migration. The Aeneid is Virgil's ancient Roman epic about Trojan hero Aeneas fleeing war to found Rome — Trojans reimagines it with electronic music and today's displacement vibes.
🧠 Look Smart At Dinner
Say This
Joanna Banks danced from Royal Ballet tours in 1958 Belfast to Irish National Ballet in 1970s Cork, proving dancers can outlast most careers.
Context
She was the 'baby' of the Royal Ballet at 18, later settling in Ireland after Germany, spanning over 60 years on stage.
Avoid Saying
'Dancers are done by 40' — ignores legends like Banks who shatter age myths with pro gigs at 86.
The Approved Opinion™
“Stories like Joanna Banks show age is no barrier to passion and excellence in the arts.”
