12:00a.m. 2nd October 2008

| Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane

YOUNG AT HEART: Belly dancers Joanna Teazis, Julie Miqueaux, Christine Rayner and Anne Renouf at the Senior Superstar auditions at Living Choice Kawana Island. Photo:Michaela O’Neill

At 62 and 53 years of age, belly dancers Christine Rayner and Anne Renouf believe you are only as old as you feel.

Known as L’Espumosa – Sparkling Ladies – they were among 50 acts that auditioned for the third annual Senior Superstars at Living Choice Kawana Island Retirement Village’s Leisure Centre yesterday.

The auditions, which coincided with International Day of Older Persons, had the Leisure Centre packed to the rafters.

Although Ms Rayner and Ms Renouf conduct regular belly dancing workshops and perform at retirement villages, they felt the pressure of their first audition.

“This is taking it to the next level,” Ms Rayner said. “We came here for the fun of it and we enjoy sharing what we do.”

Ms Renouf said the competition would prove to the rest of the community that senior citizens were full of life and energy. “Something like dancing is happiest when it comes from the heart,” she said.

Event manager Jeremy Tibbits said performers had travelled from all over the Coast and encompassed a variety of talent, from singers to accordion players, flamenco dancers and comedians.

Performers will find out on October 8 if they have made it into one of the four heats.

The grand final will be held at Caloundra RSL on Sunday, November 16.

For details on heat locations and times, log on to www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au