Online Silver Swans® ballet classes

ballet classes, specially designed for the over 55s

Our Silver Swans® classes, ​as featured on
BBC Two's Darcey Bussell: Dancing to Happiness,
​BBC North West Tonight, ITV Tonight: How To Age Well?, BBC Radio Manchester, That's Manchester TV, The Times, The Telegraph, Daily Express, Caters News and the Radio Times
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​Silver Swans® classes have been specially designed for the over-55s, but whatever your age, if you are looking for a new way to keep fit and active, our ballet classes will put a spring in your step. Whether you've never danced before or want to get back into the swing of it, our classes have something for everyone.

The RAD developed this programme based on research into dance practice for older learners – classes are only taught by Silver Swans licensees

Our online Silver Swans® classes, as seen on 
​ITV Tonight
​How To Age Well?
presented by Martin Kemp
"When lockdown began none of us knew how the online Silver Swan lessons would go. We needn't have worried. They have been wonderful. Johanna has patiently guided us through the technology and has kept us all going with her enthusiasm, professionalism and beautiful, smiling, happy face. The classes have been a touch of normality during very abnormal times. As soon as the music starts and we begin to dance it's like a breath of fresh air."

– Paula, 61 – Silver Swan®

About our online Silver Swans® classes

Silver Swans® ballet classes are specially designed for the over 55s, and are an initiative of the Royal Academy of Dance. Silver Swans® classes can help to improve posture, mobility, co-ordination and energy levels, and you can now access our Silver Swans® ballet classes from anywhere! Our online international Silver Swans® classes suit everyone from complete beginners through to advanced/ex-professional dancers and are accessed by people from across the world.

Since the launch of our online international Silver Swans® classes, they have increased in popularity and are a permanent feature of our timetable.
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Live classes are wonderful as everyone is able to interact with each other. This means that we have the ability to hold classes with real-time feedback from our Silver Swans® licensee, all from the comfort of your own house.

While in lockdown, we have been running online Silver Swans® ballet classes, not only for the members of our school, but our online classes have been featured by the Royal Academy of Dance, Dancewear Central and the Royal Voluntary Service in their Virtual Village Hall.

Silver Swans® classes - now accessible from anywhere!

Want to be a Silver Swan?

Join an international community of Silver Swans®

We have participants joining our Silver Swans® classes from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, Cheshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Hampshire, East Anglia, Dorset, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire, London, Wales, Isle of Man, Latvia, Canada, France, Portugal, Corsica, Germany... and on board a narrowboat!

Online Silver Swans® ballet class

via Zoom

​​Mondays 2.00-3.00pm BST 

 7.00am Mountain Time (MT)
8.00am Central Time (ST)
9.00am Eastern Time (ET)
3.00pm Central Europe Time (CEST)
4.00pm Eastern Europe Time (EEST)
9.00pm Australia Western Standard Time (AWST)
9.00pm China Standard Time (CST)

Wednesdays 2.00-3.00pm BST

​​7.00am Mountain Time (MT)
8.00am Central Time (ST)
9.00am Eastern Time (ET)
3.00pm Central Europe Time (CEST)
4.00pm Eastern Europe Time (EEST)
9.00pm Australia Western Standard Time (AWST)
9.00pm China Standard Time (CST)

Tuesdays 10.30-11.30am BST

11.30am Central Europe Time (CEST)
12.30pm Eastern Europe Time (EEST)
5.30pm Australia Western Standard Time (AWST)
5.30pm China Standard Time (CST)
​6.30pm Japan Standard Time (JST)
7.00pm Australian Central Standard Time (ACST)

Saturdays 11.15-12.15pm BST

12.15pm Central Europe Time (CEST)
1.15pm Eastern Europe Time (EEST)
6.15pm Australia Western Standard Time (AWST)
6.15pm China Standard Time (CST)
7.15pm Japan Standard Time (JST)
7.45pm Australian Central Standard Time (ACST)
£30 - 6 week block

FAQs

When are your online Silver Swans classes?

We currently run our online Silver Swans® ballet classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Classes cost £30 for a 6 week block.

Please note that the online class times listed above may change when we return to in-person classes. Online classes are now a permanent feature of our Silver Swans timetable and we will continue to offer at least one online class each week, even after our return to in-person classes.

What will I need for online Silver Swans® classes?
  • A desktop computer, laptop, phone or tablet that has an internet connection and connected camera.
  • A ballet barre or sturdy chair
  • Suitable footwear (dance shoes recommended)
  • Water

Before joining any session, please check that you have lots of space, and that it is clear of any obstacles. Please also check that your flooring is suitable.

Classes are hosted using Zoom – upon enrolling for our online classes, we email over instructions to help you get set up, and talk you through if you have any difficulties.

Can I join in if I'm in another country?
Our international classes are open to anyone from anywhere, so please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Classes are taught in English.
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I have a few health problems – does this mean I can't join?
The Royal Academy of Dance have carefully designed the Silver Swans® classes in order to make it accessible for all. It must be emphasised that Silver Swans® classes are gentle ballet classes and so are run at a very slow and easy pace. You can take the class according to how you feel on the day and only do what you know it is safe for you to do – and should you feel the need for a short break or to sit down and watch, we won't mind!

However, it is always recommended that you speak with your GP or healthcare professional before starting any exercise programme.
Are classes only for the over 55s?
Although Silver Swans® classes have been specifically designed for the over-55s, if you feel that this is the right class for you then please get in touch, whatever your age. There is no upper age limit and classes are open to both men and women.

What should I wear? 
For classes, you can wear anything that you will feel comfortable and can easily move around in, whether that's trousers and a top or ballet leotard and skirt (please note: no denim). We do recommend that you wear ballet shoes for classes but, should you feel that you need to wear a small heel with your shoes, ballet teaching shoes or jazz shoes are recommended. Long hair should be tied back securely, please, and we advise no loose jewellery.

Are you offering official Silver Swans® classes?
Our Silver Swans® classes are run and taught by a Silver Swans® Licensee. Silver Swans® Licensees have undergone specialist training through the Royal Academy of Dance in order to receive their license. As a mark of an official Silver Swans® Licensee, always look out for the logo.
"Johanna's Silver Swans' Zoom sessions are a brilliant addition to her range of ballet classes!  In my own space at home, I receive individual attention whilst in a Zoom group, expert teaching and demonstration in a more personal and one-to-one context.  I can ask questions, break for coffee – all whilst experiencing high standard ballet tuition.
Strongly recommended! (5+ Star)"

​– Jenni Saunders – Silver Swan®

Want to join our Silver Swans® online classes? 

We also host regular online social events for our Silver Swans®
In conversation with Brandon Lawrence – Birmingham Royal Ballet Principal dancer