Some wonderful reasons why from our Silver Swans.................
The Silver Swans class is a highlight of my week and we couldn't ask for more with Vanessa as our instructive and supportive teacher, who keeps classes varied and interesting in so many ways. Moving to really lovely music feels so good for mind, body and soul and trying to improve is a welcome challenge for me. All, too, in the company of a kind, friendly and fun group of people. So glad I joined, thank you.
Jane - joined us in 2018
A joy! Love the movement ballet gives, even after an absence of 50+ years. Definitely benefitting posture, co-ordination & memory! So enjoy being part of such a friendly, encouraging group.
Tessa - a 'swan' since 2018
Having spent several years trying to find a good ballet group for over 50's I was delighted to join. This was over 3 years ago & I have gained so much from the ballet exercises & dances all expertly taught by Vanessa. Her love of dance & teaching inspires me every week & leaves me totally hooked on dancing & her Silver Swans classes.
Margaret
I started Vanessa's Silver Swans in May this year & I absolutely love it. I am in my seventies & although studied ballet for many years when younger I am now limited in my ability due to having recently had a hip replacement & I also suffer from osteoarthritis. Vanessa is very understanding of my need to hold the barre most of the time but with her wonderful approach I feel I am getting better physically and can gradually manage more centre work. I love the exercise, the music and everything about the class. Do come along & give it a go!
Cathy
I really look forward to Friday morning Silver Swan classes. An acquaintance from the gym told me about them & now we have become firm friends.
I enjoy the poise and posture of ballet which helps to make me feel more confident but I also enjoy the discipline needed for barre work. Trying to remember the details of all the different exercises is a challenge for me but your friendly encouragement is a huge help!
Yvette - dancing with us since 2018
I became a Silver Swan at Gorse Covert in October 2017 having done 15 years of adult ballet at other classes but there was none of the dread I had experienced previously - would I look silly at my age etc....
Being a Silver Swan is a privelege. What an amazing form of dance to be able to join and for all abilities and ages. The companionship is a wonderful thing & that got us through all the lockdowns whilst maintaining a level of fitness.
I must admit that it does ones confidence good when people say "I can tell you do ballet as you have great posture and are a graceful mover" - what's not to like, as they say!
Of course we do have an exceptional Silver Swans teacher in Vanessa, she makes our classes fun whilst maintaining high standards of teaching & caring for our welfare.
Sue
“ My motivation for coming to class each week is simple; I love to dance. There are too few opportunities to do so when one is old enough to claim a bus pass but Silver Swans’ makes that possible. Over the short time I have been coming to class I have undoubtedly become much more aware of my posture in addition to acquiring greater muscles suppleness despite the increasing limitations of my arthritis. Thank you Vanessa for patience, always giving clear unambiguous instructions/demonstrations of what ‘Swans’ need to aim for, carefully prompting, correcting and praising when appropriate. The atmosphere in the studio is always professional yet relaxed with class content appropriately structured, always challenging and always supportively inclusive.
I did feel nervous about rejoining a ‘live’ class after Zoom not least because all those lower gangling moves hidden by the small screen would suddenly be revealed. I needn’t have worried because those same fears were shared by many other ‘Swans’. We embarrassingly stumbled through our first couple of classes as our confidence began to grow. I now feel more relaxed amongst a new group of fellow dancers all striving (or at least trying) to emulate your very clearly demonstrated exercises/moves.
Every week though I have just one regret and that is the class must come to an end; I just want it to go on and on and on. Maybe a slightly longer class would fulfil that longing."
David - August 2021