Yesterday, Sunday 1 October 2023, dance and training organisation Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) hosted Silver Swans Celebration, an event celebrating the RAD’s Silver Swans, a global community of older dancers.
The event was in honour of the United Nations Day of Older Persons, and was attended by RAD Silver Swans Ambassador Angela Rippon.
Angela gave a welcome speech, and Her Majesty The Queen (who takes Silver Swans ballet classes) sent a personalised message to the swans congratulating them on the day.
Silver Swans is a programme where older dancers from the age of 55 attend ballet classes to improve their balance, coordination and flexibility, and connect with their peers.
The day saw over 200 Silver Swans gather at the RAD’s HQ in London to perform in the Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre and participate in ballet classes, workshops and discussions.
Speaking about the importance of Silver Swans programme Angela Rippon said: “What a joy it was to come to the RAD and see over 200 swans from all over the country demonstrate the very thing Silver Swans was set up to do – which is to give people over the age of 55 an opportunity to dance. In an ageing population we should do all we can to keep people fit, strong and healthy. Silver Swans demonstrates just that.”
Royal Academy of Dance developed Silver Swans in 2017 in response to a growing demand for ballet classes for older learners. Sessions are based upon research into dance practice for older participants from the RAD’s Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project. This project identified psychological benefits of dance, such as perceived improvements in quality of life, as well as physiological advantages, such as improved balance.
Angela Rippon is currently a contestant on BBC talent show Strictly Come Dancing.
Angela will star in the London and UK tour of Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour this January and February 2024 – Book tickets now
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