We may not have a gym in Chorleywood but ballet classes definitely offer an alternative work out
Vicki Farnsworth, Dorothy Salathiel and Hilary Pearce have all taken up the art later in life and are loving it. The three are members of the JK Dance senior group where ages range from 40 to 80 years.
“I can cater for all abilities in one session“ says Julia Pearce who runs the Memorial Hall class. “People can work on the moves at their own level. With a plié at the bar beginners can concentrate on their feet, improvers can add in arms and the more confident can master the head position too. Ballet is brilliant for mature ladies – it improves strength, flexibility, muscle tone, confidence and is good for the brain. We are working towards Grade 6 RAD?? (Royal Academy of Dance) exam, but there is no rush or stress, it’s important everybody Is happy”
There is no doubt that the dancers have fun.
“ I look forward to the class every week” says Hilary, who hadn’t danced since a teenager until she joined three years ago, “It makes me feel really good and is excellent for my posture.”
Vicki was totally new to ballet dancing
“ I didn’t dance as a child but I wanted to do more exercise, I am not keen on sport and ballet appealed to me. It’s nice to learn a skill too. and it’s easier on the joints than running. Three years on I have improved a lot. ”
Dorothy came to Chorleywood as a result of enjoying Julia’s Dance class for Parkinson’s sufferers, held at William Penn.
“ I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nine years ago and find ballet really beneficial, it keeps my joints moving and helps balance. I hadn’t danced for 50 years! It’s a privilege to come to this class and I enjoy the challenge, especially memorising the sequence steps!”
Adult Ballet Class with JK Dance, Thursdays, 9.30am -10.30am, Memorial Hall, £8 a session. Tel 07766 903914 More details opposite