The City of Bath College has launched a new ballet course to encourage pirouetting pensioners to lead healthier lives, thanks to a partnership with St John’s Hospital.
The five-week ballet courses are run as part of the College’s Adult Community Learning programme at both the charity’s sites in the city centre and at Weston.
The courses, which are run by Kim Jones of K4Kim Dance, keep the older generation on their toes by focusing on flexibility, strength and balance.
The classes have been modified for those in later life with many of the dance moves taking place seated or standing while using the backs of chairs for balance.
It comes as the Royal Academy of Dance reports that more and more pensioners are taking up ballet in a bid to stay fit with a 70 per cent jump in the number of adults signing up for classes.
The latest trend is thought to be down to the popularity of TV programmes like Strictly Come Dancing.
The courses at St John’s Hospital have culminated with performances from Ballet Bristol, which is a non-profit adult amateur dance company bringing free performances to those unable to see ballet at the theatre.
Anna Ferguson, Activities and Volunteer Co-ordinator at St John’s Hospital, said the recent ballet courses had proved so popular that they had a waiting list.
She said: “I have been astounded by the popularity of the courses, and by the enthusiasm and dedication of our older dancers.
“They are all very keen to do more ballet and we are hoping to be able to run more courses in the future.”
City of Bath College is a further education college in the heart of Bath, offering courses in many academic and vocational subjects across different ability levels.
Its Adult Community Learning programme is provision-led, putting on courses in response to the needs of the community.
It describes a broad range of learning that brings together adults to pursue an interest, address a need or acquire a new skill.
