Around 60 seniors filled the heritage ballroom at Collingwood Town Hall last month, dancing to a playlist of familiar tunes with Catalina, the facilitator affectionately known as the ‘Dancing Queen’. The free monthly session, called Dancing from the Heart, returns on 31 May 2026 from 2pm to 4pm, and anyone aged 60 and over is welcome. You’ll just need to book a ticket.
The program, run by Yarra City Council with support from Holden Street Neighbourhood House, is part of the council’s active ageing push. Each two-hour Sunday afternoon includes a short group dance, a fabulous MC, and music that gets people moving and chatting. As the council puts it: “Each month, people aged 60+ can enjoy two hours of music, movement and social connection in Collingwood Town Hall’s historic ballroom. Expect familiar tunes, a fabulous MC and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, including a short group dance to get everyone moving.”
Catalina, who leads the sessions, comes from Holden Street Neighbourhood House, which runs programs for older residents across Fitzroy North and beyond.
The council says around 60 people attended a recent session. The Eventbrite tickets are free, but you do need to book ahead.
A word of warning: don’t drive. Parking around the town hall at 140 Hoddle Street is extremely limited, and the council recommends catching the train instead. Collingwood Station is right next door: you step out of the station and into the town hall.
If you’re 60 or over, or caring for someone who is, this is an easy way to combine gentle exercise with social time. The monthly Sunday format makes it predictable, and carers can book tickets for a parent or friend through Eventbrite.
Unlike the annual Victorian Seniors Festival that packs dozens of activities into one week, Dancing from the Heart offers a regular monthly rhythm. With no entry fee and a train station steps away, it’s far more accessible than a paid dance class in a distant studio.
Holden Street Neighbourhood House runs additional free programs for older residents: check its website for what else is on offer. Yarra City Council also lists other seniors’ events at yarracity.vic.gov.au/things-to-do.
If you miss the 31 May session, watch the Eventbrite page: the series runs monthly, so a new date will be announced soon.
Quick Facts
Yarra City Council
Local government authority responsible for the City of Yarra in Melbourne’s inner north-east, covering suburbs including Abbotsford, Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond. It delivers community programs, events, libraries, parks and services focused on active ageing, diversity and wellbeing.