The classes helping older dancers give ballet a whirl
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Lifting spirits higher than a grand jeté, 6th Position Studios has launched a Silver Swans class for older Canberrans who want to finally fulfill their childhood dream.
Running once a week in the Northbourne Avenue Studio, the ballet classes are designed for anyone aged 55 to 105 (and over), teaching attendees the difference between a plié and a relevé.
According to 6th Position Director Anouska Moore, the aim is to make ballet more accessible for all ages and to help older Canberrans rekindle (or find) their love for dance.
“I have always wanted to teach this program as I think it’s a wonderful way to keep engaging older adult dancers and making ballet accessible to adults who never had the opportunity to try it,” she says.
“That’s what 6th Position is all about, so it felt like a natural extension to provide the Silver Swans program as part of our studio’s offerings.”
Running for an hour, the Silver Swans class has been designed by the Royal Academy of Dance based on their 2012 research project Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing.
Aimed at promoting the mobility, balance, and posture of its participants, Anouska says the benefits of ballet for seniors are numerous – and it’s not just about exercise.
“Improved posture, balance, and stability alongside increased flexibility and a reduction in joint stiffness are some of the physical aspects. I also enjoy seeing the students get to know each other. We all have a good laugh when we get the steps wrong,” she says.
“The social benefits of a regular dance class are huge compared to just reps at a gym! And lastly, the cognitive improvements in memory are also important as we age. Memorising steps and combinations whilst counting and moving your body to the music involves both sides of the brain.”
“It can feel complex at first, but we have a good time! No one takes themselves too seriously.”
Planning to launch a weekend class in 2025 and expand to a ground-floor studio in Mitchell where they will also offer seated dance classes, the current Silver Swans class sees dancers spend equal time between the barre and centre work.
From learning the French terminology to learning a portion of a classical repertoire “variation” (otherwise known as a solo) without jumping or fast turns, the class works towards learning a complete dance – possibly one that is still being performed on stages around the world today.
And is there anything more wholesome than the thought of a 90-year-old performing the Sugar Plum Fairy on stage?
Providing an opportunity for seniors to put their best foot forward and try something new while improving their physical and mental health, Anouska says no prior knowledge of ballet or dancing experience is required.
Attendees just have to be willing to give ballet a whirl (or in this case, a twirl).
“I hope they feel a sense of connection to each other and strength in their own bodies. I get so much enjoyment from seeing how happy they are after the class,” Anouska says.
“They may come in feeling nervous and approach the steps and their classmates apprehensively, but they all leave with big smiles and walk taller.”
“We want to change what ballet means for outsiders. It is accessible and you can participate!”
For more information, visit 6thposition.au
Feature image: Carys Atkinson with Silver Swan dancers.
