Join an adult classical ballet class with Alice
Photography courtesy of Courtney McDonald of Yellow Wood Photography
Want to get back into ballet but not sure where to start? Maybe you're keen to explore a new skill but not quite sure what that might be? Well, listen in because it might just be your chance to step up to the barre!
Silver Swans with Alice provides classical ballet classes to adults with the aim to provide the opportunity for everyone, and we mean everyone, to try ballet.
“Ballet tends to be associated with particular stigmas and stereotypes; however, I aim to offer a safe and friendly environment for anyone to attend a class, regardless of age, body shape, gender, etc,” owner & director, Alice Carden shared.
Born in the seaside town of Bournemouth in the UK, Alice has a rather rich background in ballet. Starting from the young age of three, Alice has been dancing almost her entire life. From attending the local dance studio and competing in competitions, to becoming an associate of the Royal Ballet School and completing her Bachelor’s degree in Ballet Education from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the world of dancing has seen Alice do it all.
After setting out to do some travel, it wasn’t long before Alice landed on the shores of Newcastle. It didn’t take long for her to settle down here, a place she has called home for the past six years.
Bringing her incredible skills and knowledge to the people of Newcastle, it was when the RAD began a program called Silver Swans in Australia back in 2018 to promote dance classes for the over 55’s when Alice decided to jump on board.
“After completing the training, I casually started teaching these classes for other dance studios. I realised there was a huge gap in the market for adult learns who wish to return to ballet, or to attend as an absolute beginner to learn a new skill or try something they’d always been curious about.”
Come January 2020, Silver Swans with Alice was born.
Silver Swans with Alice was operating across numerous locations in Newcastle for the first few months, however, it wasn't long before the newly formed business had to adapt to covid restrictions and began offering classes online.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive group of students, who have attended since the beginning, especially during those early days on Zoom. Since then, classes have grown and the business has adapted, including new venues reaching many areas, and offering examination classes for those who wish to take a RAD syllabus ballet exam.”
The classes are specially designed for adults and older learners with a focus on improving dancers’ mobility, posture, coordination, and overall energy levels. The service provides classes for literally anyone interested in giving ballet a go.
“Our current students are an amazingly diverse group of people, even including one lady in her 70s and is deaf! Absolutely anyone can benefit from ballet. It’s a low-impact activity focusing on coordination, balance, core stability, and mobility.
“It also includes a variety of music whilst learning the technique of classical ballet, and maybe even learning some French terminology too!”
Currently holding her classes in a number of venues across Wickham, Warabrook, Maryland, and Raymond Terrace, Silver Swans with Alice modifies their classes for each individual. So, whether you want to advance or need adjustments due to injuries or pre-existing conditions; you will be catered for.
Running her classes alongside school terms, dancers can attend classes casually or purchase either five or 10-week blocks.
“I want to expand the areas that classes run, providing the opportunity to more people, as well as provide more examination classes and maybe even some conditioning and stretch classes. My goal is to one day have a dedicated space to offer a variety of adult-specific dance classes to the community.”
So go on, step up to the barre, and book on in for a class at Silver Swans with Alice. Whether you’re a returning dancer, or a complete newbie, Alice invites you to come along and have some fun.
“I get so much satisfaction from seeing students show up to class every week, enjoying themselves, having a laugh with friends, and having those lightbulb moments.”
Term 3 kicks off on Monday the 12th of July and runs until Friday the 17th of September. Too soon? Get locked in for Term 4 starting on Monday the 4th of October. Head to the Silver Swans with Alice website and start your ballet journey!
