Silver Swans

Specially designed for older learners, Silver Swans® ballet classes will help improve your mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. The health benefits of dance are well documented.

Research shows that 75% of the factors affecting quality of life and longevity are related to lifestyle, while only 25% are hereditary. This means that there’s no excuse for not getting more active whatever your age, and dance can play a vital role in ensuring a longer and better quality of life.

Research also often puts dance ahead of other physical activities in the variety of health benefits that it brings. Ballet and dance are also very social activities and Silver Swans classes can be great places to meet new people with a passion and joy for life.

Silver Swans Licensees are trained specifically to teach ballet to adults over 55s with a range of abilities, but all ages are welcome.  Open, fun and accessible, these classes will help improve your mobility, posture, coordination, and energy levels, no matter how old you are.

Silver Swans has been running from September 2017 in the UK, USA and Australia and was launched in New Zealand in 2019!  Use the map on this page to find a Silver Swans teacher in your area.

Silver Swans Workshop Days

In celebration of the International Day of the Older Person on 1st October, we proudly present a series of workshops dedicated to our Silver Swans in New Zealand. With the guidance of esteemed tutors, participants immerse themselves in Repertoire, Musical Theatre, and Ballet Technique classes, while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Silver Swans in their regions.

2024 Silver Swans Days

This year, we hosted two inspiring workshop days—one in Auckland on 29th September and another in Christchurch on 6th October. Attendees had the privilege of attending Repertoire and Ballet Technique classes led by Shaun James Kelly from the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Additional workshops, including Musical Theatre, were conducted by a talented team of tutors: Nancy Holland, Amy Potts, Sharon Howells, and Marianne Schultz. A highlight of the event was a lunchtime Q&A session with Shaun, where he shared insights into his ballet journey, from his roots in small-town Scotland to his current role as Choreographer in Residence and dancer with the RNZB.

“It was especially inspiring to work with guest teacher, dancer, and choreographer Shaun Kelly. I enjoyed his personable teaching style—clearly demonstrated technique driven by warmth, patience, sense of humour, and encouragement.” – Trudy

2023 Silver Swans Day

Our inaugural Silver Swans Day took place in Auckland on 1st October 2023, marking the beginning of this special tradition. The day featured a stellar lineup of tutors, including Silver Swans Ambassador Mary-Jane O’Rielly, Jane Turner, Bianca Paine, and Sharon Howells. Attendees engaged in workshops spanning Repertoire, Musical Theatre, and Ballet Technique, setting the tone for future celebrations of dance and community.

Join us for future Silver Swans events as we continue to bring the joy of dance to life!

Join our New Zealand Silver Swans Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/262518616307303

Check out Silver Swans on social media under #RADSilverSwans and visit the Silver Swans page of the RAD UK website for more information.