Silver Swans from Parson Drove flock to Royal Academy of Dance for special celebration

A group of dancers who attend regular classes in Parson Drove is set to join others from across the world for a unique celebration.

At the end of this month, Silver Swans from both Parson Drove and Peterborough, as well as from all over the UK and abroad will fly to the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London for a unique and vibrant celebration.

Held over two days starting on October 31, Silver Swans groups will have the opportunity to celebrate the joy and inclusivity of ballet for older learners.

Groups from as far afield as Canada, the USA, and Australia will also join online to take part in the event which will feature live and recorded performances, classes, workshops, and talks plus an opportunity to network with enthusiasts and teachers.

A Margot Fonteyn series recently repeated on BBC television, inspired Silver Swans instructor Barbara Wraith, to modify a charming waltz dating back to the beginning of the last century for a combined group of dancers from Wisbech and Peterborough.

Barbara, who lives in Parson Drove, will each three sessions of Pilates at the Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans Celebration.

Two sessions will be online – broadcast live to groups worldwide on October 31, and to a class at the Royal Academy of Dance on November 1.

Barbara said: “I couldn’t resist this lovely waltz which I have modified from Greta Wiesenthal’s original choreography. It’s such a pretty dance, performed to a famous Johann Strauss waltz - ‘Wine Women and Song.’ Once again, the video of our dance, fingers-crossed, is due to be shown at the event. I am so thrilled to be part of such a special day again.”

Since its inception in 2017, Silver Swans has blossomed into a unique and all-encompassing community, dedicated to bringing the transformative effects of ballet to individuals throughout the globe. Older adults can explore their passion for dance and experience its myriad physical and mental health benefits.

Ballet in particular is known for enhancing core strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and memory, making it a perfect fit for older learners. Personally, Barbara expresses her excitement at still being able to teach both Ballet and Pilates in her 70s.

She said: “As we age it’s so important to exercise regularly. Just one class a week inspires participants to immerse themselves in ballet and even practice between sessions. It’s totally absorbing, and a chance to escape to a very different activity - dancing to beautiful music with like-minded enthusiasts. Silver Swans is a great community and welcomes both learners and returners to join our classes.”