No age barre for this over-55s ballet class in Shrewsbury
Ballet is normally the pursuit of small girls in pink tutus but one ballerina has decided to take her passion to those of an older persuasion and now teaches ballet to the over-55s in Shrewsbury.
Jane Jones from Shrewsbury runs the local branch of Silver Swans – a countrywide Royal Academy of Dance initiative whose ambassador is TV presenter Angela Rippon.
“Ballet is great for health and wellbeing,” said Jane. “I teach people who have danced and who haven’t. It is all about keeping fit and graceful in old age.
“I have 13 people in my class and have had a lot of enquiries for the new year.
“I started the classes in June and it has gone really well. I have taught children and now I am teaching those older people. My oldest lady is 75 and she just loves it. When I went on the teaching course before setting this up last year there was somebody who was 101. It was amazing.
Stronger
“It is not just exercise, we also do barre work and then we put it all together at the end of the session.
“The people who come every week really benefit – they get better and stronger.”
One of those to enjoy the weekly lessons is Sue Whitcombe of Shrewsbury.
The classes are not just an activity for her, they are also a social highlight of the week.
Having tested the waters when Jane held her first six week course in July, 72-year-old Sue is now a dedicated dancer. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said. “I went because I had been trying to keep fit with walking but I had some foot problems.
“I went to ballet classes for about a year when I was younger but then my parents couldn’t afford any more lessons. Over the years I have been tempted and when I heard about the Age UK classes which were being held, I went along to those.
“Then I just wanted to do more, so when I heard about Jane’s classes I knew I had to go along.
“She is a fantastic teacher, it is more than just an exercise class, she teaches you all the correct moves. It lifts your spirits and keeps you supple.
“I have met some lovely people and we all think the same way. It is just so good for the mind and body. So many people want to dance when they are older and this is a brilliant way to do so. This is so fulfilling. It is everything I wanted to do when I was younger. Each Monday I go in stiff and come out feeling uplifted.
Encourage
“Jane is very positive and it is obvious that she really enjoys teaching. The great thing is that nobody judges you. We all encourage each other and we all enjoy it so much that we have been telling people about it. I have two replacement knees so it shows that anyone can do it. It keeps the joints going and it is great for me, as a widow, to get me out and meet people.
“Age is nothing nowadays.”
Silver Swans is held at The Morris Hall every Monday.
For more information email janejonesdance@gmail.com
