A GROUP of over 50s ballet and tap dancers leaped onto the stage for the first time after a new scheme was set up for older residents in Reading.
Silver Swans runs ballet and low impact tap dance classes for over 50’s in Reading, Woodley, Tilehurst, Portman Road, Coley Park and Thatcham.
The scheme was set up by the Royal Academy of Dance to enable ballet dancing for mature learners.
And Sonia Brown, who runs the classes, added the tap classes after the ballet sessions proved a success.
All classes aim to offer a gentle and inclusive environment for individuals who want to learn to dance.
And exercises are adapted to cater for all abilities.
The 22 Silver Swans students stepped onto the stage for the first time at Thatcham Festival Dance Gala and Lift Off Dance Festival at South Hill Park over the past two weekends.
Ms Brown praised her students for their first couple of live performances.
“I have a mixture of dance experiences in all my classes with many absolute novices and some ex-professional -both of which found stepping on stage quite nerve-wracking but now they’ve done it, they can’t wait for another opportunity to do it again,” she said.
“The audience seemed to roar with applause particularly loudly for our group which was brilliant encouragement for my dancers.
“The organisers came backstage to specifically let us know how the audience couldn’t stop smiling while we were performing and a few even shed a tear.
Ms Brown added that the group can’t wait to perform again.
She said: “As the Royal Academy of Dance’s Silver Swans slogan goes – it’s never too late to shine.”
After starting the club two years ago, Silver Swans now holds 11 classes and has roughly 150 students attend.
Jenny Smith, a student at Silver Swans, said she always feels better after attending a class.
“I was confused by position names and wondered if I’d ever remember dance steps but now I enjoy the exercise, love the music, friendly people,” she said.
“You have to concentrate during the class, but afterwards you feel you’ve achieved something even if it’s only balancing without moving.”
Ms Smith added she always looks forward to the class.
“Sonia is always encouraging,” she said.
“There’s lovely music and it’s such fun to try parts of ballets that I have seen.”
Student Sue Nicell explained Ms Brown is warm and welcoming.
“She is such a good teacher that I felt at ease straight away,” she said.
“I enjoy the class, feel I have a spring in my step afterwards and Sonia always makes us smile.
“Dancing to music I think is in our DNA and it makes you feel free from any worries. Everyone in the class is friendly and supportive.”
