SILVER SWANS BALLET CLASSES

The health benefits of dance can not be denied. We all know that staying active and participating in some form of exercise well into old age is something we should all be doing. But dance, in particular, can perform a vital role in ensuring an improved quality of life. Research often puts ballet ahead of other forms of physical activity for the variety of health benefits it promotes, offering improvements to mobility, posture, co-ordination, strength and energy.

Developed by the Royal Academy of Dance, Silver Swans® is based on research into dance practice for older learners and classes can only be taught by Silver Swans® Licensees. It just grew and grew and really caught fire and now there are Silver Swans classes in many communities globally. Silver Swans everywhere eulogise about their mental and physical strength, improved balance, better posture and stronger bones. The list of benefits goes on and on.

One research programme by Western Sydney University found that participation in dance reduces falls by as much as 37 per cent in older people. 

Although some Swans are younger, 55 is taken to be the lower age limit, there is no upper limit.
 

WHAT TO WEAR

There is no uniform or dress code although the Royal Academy of Dance has developed a range of branded Silver Swans clothing. While sports socks can be worn by first-timers to try a class, ballet shoes are highly recommended to give the right amount of grip while allowing the foot to glide over the floor.

INTERVIEW WITH ANGELA RIPPON

Angela Rippon is the embodiment of a silver swan – appropriately enough, as this is the name adopted by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for its ongoing initiative in encouraging older people to try ballet. Angela herself is an ambassador. “When you’re dancing, you’re using all your muscles and improving your core strength, your balance and your spatial awareness,” she explains. “You’re also doing something very sociable! You’re interacting, and if you’re having to remember steps, you’re using your brain as well. There’s scientific proof that dance is the perfect way for anyone of any age – and certainly for people of 50+ – to exercise. Our teachers know that you can adapt the exercises for any age group, gearing them to personal flexibility and general standard.” All, even complete ballet beginners, are welcome. “You’re essentially doing all of the barre exercises that every ballet dancer does every day. Silver Swans is centred around those basic things, and you gradually improve because you’re not straining anything. 

“You don’t have to take exams, but there are a lot of levels. We have people who’ve never danced in their lives and can’t stand on one leg for more than a second. The Queen Consort came to see one of our classes, and has since become a Silver Swan herself.

STUDIO ADDRESS TUESDAY SILVER SWANS CLASSES

The Dance Space

2 Market Square

behind Circus Street

Brighton 

BN2 9AS

The Aldridge Community Space is a light-filled, fully accessible studio with a sprung floor with Harlequin dance flooring overlay, floor to ceiling windows, a mirrored wall, fitted wooden barres, bi-fold doors opening onto the Circus Street events square, top of the range AV system and access to changing room facilities.