Ballet For Seniors in Melbourne: Join The Flock Of Senior Swans
Movitanz Senior Swans classes, a revolution in adult ballet education, have gracefully pirouetted into Melbourne, led by the visionary Kathleen Curwen-Walker.
“Ballet for those over 50 is rapidly emerging as a significant trend,” notes Curwen-Walker, a ballet teacher for 40 years.
Ballet for seniors offers a unique blend of gentle, yet stimulating exercise not only nurturing artistic expression but also to cultivate meaningful relationships among its participants.
Ballet for Seniors
“What an absolute delight it is to teach this age group. The Senior Swans syllabus is an authentic ballet class that fulfills physical, social and emotional needs,” says Curwen-Walker.
“We have developed a program that is modified to suit the needs of mature bodies. Our Senior Swans program comprises modified ballet grades that focus on building strength, flexibility and balance – a real ballet class without jumps or single-leg pirouettes.
“We have a strong focus on injury prevention and teach the importance of proper warm-up and cool-down techniques.”
Ann May Morris is a Senior Swan.
“When retiring from nursing in my 70s, joining Senior Swans Ballet gave me the chance to rekindle my childhood passion for dance in a safe, happy place,” Morris says.
“And I discovered a sisterhood in the Senior Swans that was wonderful and life-changing.”
– Ann May Morris
Another Swan, Elizabeth, says:
“As a young girl I always believed I would become a ballerina. Although that wasn’t to be and as a mother of four boys this receded well into the background.
Even so I just love to dance and whenever music plays I get up and dance around the room. Ballet has always been part of me.
After I retired I found a studio not too far away where older ladies were invited to join and become a Senior Swan.
What a wonderful gift! After each class I feel so invigorated and confident. It makes me feel elegant and years younger!”
– Elizabeth
As a small girl Candy dreamt beautiful dreams filled with exquisite dancing and gorgeous costumes.
“I read every story that hinted of ballet – particularly young dancers, overcoming obstacles and appearing on stage with the Sadlers Wells Company.
“Fast forward about 40 years and I happened to hear an interview on the radio about the Senior Swans. So, here I am, finally able to afford it. I am loving the challenge.”
– Candy
And fellow Swan Maggie says:
“The gym wasn’t working for me – too sterile and essentially lonely. So, after reading an article about ballet for the older woman I signed up. Motivation was to achieve strength and fitness that would help me as I grew older plus it just sounded like fun!
“I just love it everyone’s friendly, there’s no competition, our class has diverse ages, shapes and fitness levels and the teachers are warm, friendly and very skilled.”
– Maggie
“I love learning ballet as an adult. I always wanted to learn as a child but I had to learn the piano instead.
So when I read in a magazine about adult ballet classes I was so excited! I started learning when I was 67 and I look forward to it every week. I love learning all the new positions and repertoire and slowly improving my coordination. I feel much stronger in my legs and my balance has improved a lot.
Ballet is the perfect antidote to the stresses of work and everyday life. Kathleen and the other Senior Swans teachers are wonderful and encouraging.
Ballet makes me feel joyous! I want to keep dancing forever!”
– Lorraine
Benefits of Ballet for Seniors
The benefits of learning ballet as we age are well-supported by research, highlighting its value not just physically but emotionally. Ballet is widely recognised as an ideal exercise for mature individuals, enhancing strength, balance, and mental sharpness. Beyond these physical benefits, ballet also offers significant emotional support, helping to alleviate loneliness and depression.
Curwen-Walker notes that a major draw for many participants in these Swans classes is the incredible social connection they foster. In fact, about 50% of attendees come as much for the camaraderie as for the dance itself, often culminating in post-class coffee outings to continue the day’s enjoyment.
The heart of Movitanz Senior Swans beats within the Essendon Academy of Ballet, conveniently located beside the No. 59 tram line, where founder Kathleen Curwen-Walker personally conducts classes every Friday at noon. Starting May 2024, new classes are opening across many Melbourne suburbs and regions of Victoria.
Discover a class close to you by visiting seniorswans.com.
Experience the transformative power of ballet at any stage of life. ”It’s Never Too Late” is the Senior Swans tagline… just take a peek inside a class here!
Need to Know: ballet for seniors
- Senior Swans ballet classes are suitable for both genders and all dance levels;
- Starting May 2024, new classes are opening across many Melbourne suburbs and regional Victoria;
- Email [email protected] to register your interest for news on upcoming classes;
- Classes cost from $20 with a trial class and casual drop ins available too;
- Your ballet instructor caters to individual needs, whether you’re a beginner or a novice;
- The program provides joint-friendly body movements (no jumps or single-leg pirouettes);
- Health benefits include strength-building, improved balance, and brain activity;
- It’s a very social experience, join the flock of Senior Swans;
- Follow the original Senior Swans class on Instagram and Facebook to be inspired with samples of classes;
- Classes run weekly on a school term schedule;
- If attending the Essendon class, the Essendon Academy of Ballet is conveniently located beside the No. 59 tram line;
- It’s never too late to learn ballet!
Senior Swans Ballet FAQs
✨🦢 I have never danced before, can I join? Absolutely! We teach you ballet from absolute scratch.
✨🦢What do I wear? Many of our students love to don a soft black floaty skirt with bodysuit or long sleeve top and ballet shoes on the feet. But to start, any comfortable attire with socks or yoga shoes will be just fine!
✨🦢I am overweight, can I do ballet? Yes! Our classes are low impact and gentle on the joints so you can safely “swan around” without risk of injury. Senior Swans come in so many shapes and sizes and we warmly welcome everyone. 💖🦢
Movitanz Senior Swans
Headquarters @ Essendon Academy of Ballet
7 Victory Rd, Airport West VIC 3042
NEW LOCATIONS: Senior Swans classes are opening in Melbourne and regional areas from May 2024. For information email Kathleen [email protected]
This sponsored post has been published in collaboration with Movitanz Senior Swans.
