Silver Swans is a programme developed by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) specifically for older learners.

Silver Swans are ballet classes for people aged 55 and over, male and female, welcoming everyone from former dancers to people who may have only briefly, or never tried ballet before. 

Silver Swans is about enjoying movement, music and ballet at a pace that is appropriate for the people in the room.

At Simply Ballet, our Silver Swans classes are designed with older learners in mind, with exercises that can be adapted to suit different levels of fitness, confidence and experience.

Not at all.

Our Silver Swans classes welcome complete beginners as well as people who danced when they were younger.

Perhaps you did ballet as a child and always wanted to return to it.

Perhaps you have always admired ballet but never had the opportunity to learn.

Perhaps you are simply looking for a different way to keep active.

Silver Swans is a wonderful place to start.

A Silver Swans class still has many of the familiar elements of a traditional ballet class, but the approach is adapted for older learners.

We generally start with a gentle warm-up, and then move on to working at the ballet barre, where exercises can be performed with the support of the barre. We then move to the centre of the room, developing further coordination, musicality and movement.

Exercises include things like

• Ballet positions and steps
• Gentle strengthening movements
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Port de bras, the beautiful movements of the arms
• Gentle stretching and mobility work
• Simple travelling movements
• Simple ballet combinations and dances

Exercises vary from class to class, but the focus is always on enjoying movement and developing your skills progressively.  All exercises are set to beautiful ballet music.

Ballet is much more than simply learning steps.

Things such as increased mobility, stronger posture, improved coordination, and better balance are some of the things Silver Swans classes are designed to support.

Improve mobility

Regular movement is important as we get older.

Silver Swans gives you an opportunity to move different parts of your body through a variety of controlled ballet exercises. Movements can be adapted to suit individual abilities, making the class accessible to people with different levels of mobility.

Work on balance and coordination

Ballet asks you to coordinate your arms, legs, posture and movement while listening to music and remembering sequences.

That combination makes ballet a particularly engaging form of exercise.

You might be surprised by just how much your mind is working while you’re dancing!

Supports posture

Good posture is an important part of ballet.

Throughout class, you’ll be encouraged to become aware of how you stand and move, while learning some of the principles of classical ballet technique.

Keep moving

Silver Swans provides a structured opportunity to be active during the week.

Rather than simply exercising for the sake of exercising, you are learning something at the same time.

There is a sense of purpose to the class, as well as the enjoyment that comes from dancing.

Give your brain a workout

Learning dance involves more than physical movement.

You listen to music, remember sequences, coordinate different parts of your body and respond to instructions.

That combination of physical and mental engagement is one of the reasons dance can be such an enjoyable lifelong activity.

Enjoy the social side of dancing

One of the best things about Silver Swans isn’t necessarily the ballet.  It’s the friends you make along the way.  We have regular social morning teas, great for a catch-up, cuppa and organising even more social outings.

That’s okay.  You don’t need to be particularly fit to try Silver Swans.

The purpose of the class is not to see who can dance the fastest, stretch the furthest, or remember the most steps.

Our classes are designed so that exercises can be adapted to different levels of fitness and confidence.

Silver Swans is designed around safe and inclusive teaching for mixed-ability older learners. Teachers who deliver the official Silver Swans programme undertake specific training through the Royal Academy of Dance.

So if you’re thinking:

“I’m probably too old.”  (Our oldest Swan is 86 at the moment…)

“I’m not flexible enough.” (Who can touch their toes these days anyway!?)

“I’ve never done ballet before.” (Everyone starts somewhere!)

…you might be exactly the person we would love to welcome into the studio.

Class exercises can also be adapted to be done seated, without turning movements, without jumping or stretching.  Whatever your concerns, our trained teachers are always ready to offer an alternative.  It’s also ok if you need a break for a few minutes to catch your breath or rest a moment.

Not for your introductory class.

If you’re thinking about trying Silver Swans,  you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new ballet wardrobe first.

Come along, try a class and see how you feel.

Most people wear leggings or shorts, and a t-shirt to begin.  Socks for your feet are fine to start with.

Once you’ve decided that you love it, we can help you work out what clothing and footwear will be most comfortable and appropriate for your classes.

You can book your introductory class online here or call 0493 030 052

Silver Swans is aimed at people aged 55+ (or thereabouts…) however all ages are welcome.

The important thing is finding a class that is appropriate for you and your experience, rather than worrying too much about the number on your birthday cake!

First of all, come and try an introductory class to get an idea of all the joy Silver Swans involves.

Book online here, or call us on 0493 030 052.  

There is an $8 online booking fee which is refunded upon enrolments.

When you enrol, just let us know you’re a Seniors Card holder.  We’ll apply the discount at the time of your enrolment for you and it’s as simple as that!

You can then get on with experiencing the joy that is ballet.