Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can attend these classes?
A: We welcome participants 18 years+ to participate in ANY of the classes. There is no age limit.
Classes are designed for those who would like to participate in a class that is set with a gentle teaching and exercise approach, and is designed to honour this specific age/peer group by creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive space. Improve your mobility, posture, coordination, and energy levels with our over 55’s Silver Swans ballet classes.
Please note: you don’t need to be over 55 to enrol in our Silver Swans classes, we just ask that you respect the pace and style of class which is set with a specific age groups requests in mind.
Q: How did the Silver Swans Program begin?
A: The Royal Academy of Dance developed Silver Swans in response to a growing demand for ballet classes for older learners.
Sessions are based upon research into dance practice for older participants from the RAD’s Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project. This project identified psychological benefits of dance, such as improvements in quality of life, as well as physiological advantages, such as improved balance.
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations in the world. Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programs with the Academy and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with approaching a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.
Q: Who teaches the classes?
A: Silver Swans classes are delivered exclusively by Silver Swans Licensees who are trained by the Royal Academy of Dance to safely adapt ballet techniques for older adults.
Silver Swans Licensees do not follow any particular syllabus; rather, the training gives them insight into how to adapt their teaching to a diverse class of adults, information on safe practice, and inspiration as to how to keep a group of ‘swans’ engaged over time.
Q: When are the Silver Swans Classes?
A: Please take a look at our timetable to see if any of our classes may fit with your schedule. Our classes run throughout the week, and take place during school terms.
Q: What do I wear?
A: There is no need to buy anything specific to wear to ballet to begin with. You are welcome and encouraged to wear what ever you feel comfortable exercising in. Please bring a pair of socks and your water bottle with you. If you find ballet is right for you, we recommend you eventually purchase a pair of ballet specific shoes (ballet pumps) which are available from dance stores.
Please note: socks can tend to be a little more slippery to move in than ballet shoes so if you have any hip, knee or ankle concerns to protect then we would recommend you consider purchasing ballet pumps before your first class.
If you have any further questions, please Contact us