Alan Yentob meets the inspiring Company of Elders in the first of the new series of BBC One’s Imagine strand, which aims to capture the power of the arts and the people who have changed our way of looking at the world.

The company are breathless and joints are aching – probably because the performers range in age from 61 to 85. They have only eight weeks to practice their pas de deux and arabesques in order to perform a new contemporary work at world-famous dance venue Sadler’s Wells.

Challenging pre-conceptions about the physical and creative abilities of those over 60, the film follows the company in their quest to choreograph, learn, practice and perform a new work.

The camera captures everything from their moment of inspiration to attending a performance by the Richard Alston Dance Company and their relationship with Chris Tudor, choreographer of the piece to be performed at Sadler’s Wells.

The film also explores the stories behind the performers, including 61-year-old Alison who, following a brain tumour at 27, spent the next 10 years relearning how to walk, talk and eat, never mind dance, and 85-year-old Geoff, who says that dance has taken over his life – with his commitments to jive, ballet and salsa, not to mention Company Of Elder rehearsals.

The company has performed at theatres around the world, including Moscow and the Venice Biennale. Still, they struggle to remember the steps. As Alan keeps an eye on rehearsals, he notices that the more choreographer Chris Tudor worries, the more relaxed the dancers become. Maybe old age does have its benefits…

Tuesday 23 June
10.35-11.25pm BBC ONE