05/10/2026
We are absolutely thrilled that Ann Wilbourn, our Primetime Manager, has been named a finalist in Community Leisure’s Seriously Social 2026 awards for ‘Outstanding Employee of the Year’.
Ann left her desk job over 40 years ago to follow her passion for dance and fitness, and she has never looked back. This well-deserved recognition celebrates a lifelong career dedicated to promoting physical activity and building strong communities.
Although Ann loved dancing as a child, she initially chose a safe path working as a secretary. However, her passion for dance never faded, leading her to leave office life behind to study at the London College of Dance and Drama. After gaining her qualifications, she taught at various dance schools across South East London before opening the Ann Dunn School of Dance.
When the aerobics craze hit in the early 1980s – think bright leotards and leg warmers – Ann was among the first to earn professional fitness qualifications, seamlessly transitioning her career from dance into fitness.
For the last 18 years, Ann has been the driving force behind Mytime Active’s over-60s Primetime programme, expanding it from just 79 members to nearly 4,000.
“Music and dance are in my soul,” says Ann. “I’m now teaching my own peer group, playing everything from Rock ’n’ Roll to swing for people who came of age in the 50s, 60s and 70s. I’ve witnessed the incredible power of music for people living with dementia, watching eyes light up with recognition and joy even when other memories fade.”
What started as exercise classes has become a community and a family. Ann knows her members’ stories, their struggles and their celebrations.
Since 2008, our Primetime programme has offered recreational activities, events, sports, dance and fitness classes for the over-60s. Designed to help people move more, socialise and make new friends, Primetime continues to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
You can read more about Ann here:
https://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/wellbeing-mission/meet-mytime-active-team-ann
