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 RAD’s Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project. This project identified psychological benefits of dance, such as perceived improvements in quality of life, as well as physiological advantages, such as improved balance.

 

Who teaches the classes?

Silver Swans classes are delivered exclusively by Silver Swans Licensees who have trained by the Royal Academy of Dance to safely adapt ballet​ techniques for older adults.

 

Who can attend these classes?

Although targeted at those aged over 50, there is no upper or lower age limit to be a Silver Swan. All our classes are open to any one of any adult age. We hope our classes will help improve mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. Most importantly, these classes are an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the sense of well being that dance brings.

 

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.

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 programmes 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.

All of our classes are taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers who are adept at offering different variations to material to suit the any physical limitations any participant may have.

 

What do I wear?

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. 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.