Grab your ballet shoes for a fun and fulfilling dance experience, no matter your age!
Silver Swans adult ballet classes are now available at the Sandgate Scout Hall on Tuesdays, catering to individuals over 55 looking for an enjoyable way to improve their mobility, coordination and well-being.
Marilyn Culpitt, Principal at the Ascot School of Dance, said Silver Swans was an initiative of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) to provide ballet classes to older learners.
“While I have taught younger students for most of my adult life, I started teaching Silver Swans classes over five years ago and they have proven extremely popular,” Marilyn said.
“While classes are focused on 55 and above there is no upper or lower age limit. My eldest student is 91, and no prior knowledge of dance is required.”
Silver Swans Program: Slowing Ageing With Grace
The RAD introduced the Silver Swans program in response to a growing demand for ballet classes tailored to older individuals. These classes are taught by qualified ballet teachers, known as Silver Swans Licensees, who safely guide students through each class.
Marilyn, who has been dancing for more than six decades, is a registered RAD teacher. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in dance and a Bachelor of Education.
Due to the success of the Silver Swans classes at Hamilton, Marilyn recently introduced classes at Sandgate.
“The class is structured as any ballet class would be with a warm-up, barre work, centre exercises and combinations and scaffolded for each person’s ability,” she said.
“The benefits are well-documented – improving balance, slowing the ageing process, increasing cognitive ability, improving strength and endurance, increasing energy levels and improving flexibility.
“We often have coffee after class, so that also promotes social benefits.”
Marilyn said the classes were a wonderful way of exploring movement to beautiful music.
“Research has established that 75% of factors affecting quality of life and longevity are lifestyle-related while only 25% is hereditary – this reason alone is a huge motivation to commence ballet classes,” she said.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. Spare ballet shoes are provided if needed. The cost is $20 per class or $180 for a 10-class dance card.
For more information contact 0417 629 066.
RAD Silver Swans Adult Ballet Classes
- Tuesdays, 11am-12pm
- Sandgate Scout Hall
- 134 Brighton Road, Sandgate.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
