At 86 years old, veteran dancer Joanna Banks continues to perform on stage, showcasing a career that has spanned nearly seven decades.

Banks first performed in Northern Ireland in 1958 as a teenager with the Royal Ballet. Now, many years later, she is once again captivating audiences, describing herself as fortunate to have enjoyed such a lengthy career in a physically demanding profession.

She is currently part of the cast of Trojans, a contemporary dance production by Philip Connaughton, performed by the Luail dance company. The show is being staged at the Island Arts Centre.

Reflecting on her early days, Banks recalled her first visit to Belfast as an 18-year-old member of the Royal Ballet, describing herself as the youngest in the touring group at the time.

Over the years, she performed internationally, including in Germany, before eventually settling in Cork during the 1970s, where she joined the Irish National Ballet Company.

Sharing the stage with her in Trojans is younger dancer Clara Kerr, who described Banks as a major source of inspiration. Kerr praised her professionalism and the experience of working alongside someone with such extensive history in dance.

The production itself offers a modern interpretation of The Aeneid, blending contemporary choreography with electronic music and powerful visuals. According to Banks, the themes explored in the performance — including war, migration, and displacement — remain highly relevant today, despite originating from ancient mythology.

Kerr, who began dancing at a very young age, spoke about her own journey into professional dance. After training at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, she has built her career through dedication and continuous learning across multiple dance styles.

Despite the challenges of the profession, she emphasized the importance of passion and persistence for those looking to pursue dance, noting that the community in Northern Ireland, though small, is strong and supportive.

For Banks, the key to maintaining such a long career is simple: a deep love for performing. She explained that she embraces new opportunities with an open mindset and remains fully committed to her craft.

According to her, succeeding in dance at any age requires both determination and a willingness to push forward, describing it as something that demands complete dedication.

Even after decades on stage, Banks continues to express gratitude for the opportunity to perform, calling herself incredibly fortunate to still be doing what she loves.