Senior Swans ballet is taking off

Adults over the age of 50 are joining the worldwide trend of being able to join a ballet class. To either fulfil their childhood dream of always wanting to attend ballet or reacquaint themselves with it from their youth. Senior Swans licensee and owner of Over 50s Ballet Tauranga, Michelle Heyder, is providing a platform in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty to empower mature dancers to turn their dreams into reality.

“I started ‘Over 50s Ballet’ classes in October of 2023 in Ōmokoroa, Bethlehem and Matua, not really sure how they would be received, but new students are arriving at their first class expressing that they have wanted to attend a class since they saw it on television, or that they have been searching for a class for ages,” says Michelle. “One lady arrived at her first class with her arms flying like wings and spinning around, saying that she’s here to learn ballet. It was so delightful.

“Students have expressed the sense of calm they feel, muscles they have found again or haven’t used before and the friendly class community. They say the classes challenge their cognitive thinking, coordination, and balance control through posture and body alignment. I notice a sense of pride and gratification when students have been working on a particular exercise for a few lessons, and they finally get it. There’s such a wonderful appreciation of achievement with clapping and laughter in the class – the enthusiasm is infectious, and it brings a lovely sense of joy to us all.”

Scientific studies have shown dancing to reduce individuals’ chance of developing dementia. The act of dancing is not just physical but also a dynamic learning experience. Mastering intricate ballet patterns fosters the creation of new neural pathways, optimising brain function and promoting mental acuity.

Michelle says, “It is a privilege to teach Over 50s Ballet to such a wonderful, enthusiastic community of people; there is no competition. Dancers of diverse ages, shapes and fitness levels attend classes for themselves and their love of ballet. It is such a pleasure witnessing students grow in physical confidence and self-esteem to express gracefulness and beauty in and outside of class.”