It's never too late to shine!

Ballet classes for the over 55s
Silver Swans® Licensee Johanna, with Silver Swans® ambassador,
​Angela Rippon CBE.

As seen on BBC documentary
​Darcey Bussell: Dancing to Happiness

For behind the scenes pictures, click here
Silver Swans® licensee, Johanna with Dame Darcey Bussell.
The classes are an absolute joy. Excellent teaching will bring out your hidden ballerina. Lovely, friendly groups.

– Michelle,  67 - Silver Swan® ​

Silver Swans® classes in Bury ​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

What is Silver Swans?​
​Silver Swans® classes have been specifically 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 licensed teachers.
#RADSilverSwans

An insight into our Silver Swans® classes...

Class Times:

Tuesdays 10.30-11.30am
Tuesdays 12.00-1.00pm - Advanced (previous ballet experience required)
Tuesdays 1.30-2.30pm
Wednesdays 12.45-1.45pm
Wednesdays 2.00-3.00pm
Saturdays - 11.15-12.15pm

Venue:

Blackford Bridge URC
692 Manchester Road
Bury
Lancashire
BL9 9TQ
Due to current restrictions all our Silver Swans® ballet classes are online only. For more details about how to join our online classes please click here: Online Silver Swans® classes
All Silver Swans® classes at the Janet Lomas School of Dancing are taught by Silver Swans® licensee, Johanna.

Classes do not run as a drop-in and pre-booking is essential – please contact us for availability as class numbers are limited.

Did you know that we also run Silver Swans® classes online?
I can’t recommend Johanna's Silver Swans classes enough, she is an inspiration and always makes our Silver Swans classes fun and welcoming. She has an exceptional way of explaining how to do steps and her encouragement and her patience is unfailing.
​ 
Expect your soul to sing and your happiness to reach new heights during each class and you will be floating out of the door when class is over.  

– Sally, 72 – Silver Swan®

FAQs

Why Silver Swans®?
The Royal Academy of Dance was established in 1920 and is internationally renowned for its childrens' graded and vocational examination system. Following a successful trial of Silver Swans® classes in London, it was initially rolled out to just 120 teachers across the world.

​Our Silver Swans® classes in Bury were part of the initial pilot scheme, and we were the first to offer Silver Swans classes in Lancashire. We have over 90 Silver Swans® attending ballet classes each week ranging from complete beginners to ex-professional ballet dancers.

Maybe you enjoyed ballet as a child and would like to bring back those happy memories? Perhaps you always wanted to dance but never had the chance to? Or you're just looking for an alternative way of keeping fit? Silver Swans® is run at a pace that is appropriate for everyone and offers a fantastic way to make new friends. 

Silver Swans® classes are more than just an adult ballet class; we also learn simplified repertoire from a famous ballets.

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.

What are the details of your classes (e.g. cost, venue, times)?
Classes are held at Blackford Bridge United Reformed Church on Manchester Road in Bury. At Blackford Bridge URC, for those requiring it, there is also a hearing aid loop in operation at this venue. Please contact us for further details of times, availability and cost. 

Our Silver Swans® classes are taught by a fully-qualified ballet teacher and Silver Swans® Licensee (please see About Our School). We are very privileged to also have a professional pianist accompany our classes. 

​For class times, please scroll down to the bottom of this page. Please note that classes do not run as a drop-in and pre-booking is essential – please contact us for availability as class numbers are limited.

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 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 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.
Silver Swans is not just a ballet class, but a chance to meet and socialise with other people.  There is a mix of ages from fifty upwards the class suits all.  Some of us have done ballet before but it doesn't matter if you haven't the class is tailored for everyone.  There are trips to see ballet performances both live and on film and a summer and Christmas party.  A chance for all the classes to meet up for a chat with a cake or two!

The best part is we get to improve our balance, flexibility and have fun at the same time.  Our instructor Johanna explains the exercises really well and has so much patience.  I would recommend Silver Swans to anyone .

– Judith – Silver Swan®
"At last after 62 years, at the age of 76 and despite serious arthritis, 3 joints replaced and a metal rod in my lower back, I have returned to ballet dancing. All thanks to Johanna and the Silver Swans. Her expert teaching, detailed guidance and patient support has enabled me to re-discover my joy in the classical steps and sequences.

​Plus the company of great like-minded ladies and the piano accompaniment of music from Tchaikovsky to Lloyd Webber.  Exhilaration and challenge, fun and strengthening exercise – What more could anyone ask for?"


– Jenni Saunders, 76 – Silver Swan®

Want to become a
​Silver Swan®?

Our Silver Swans® social events...

Our Silver Swans® in the news and involved in external events...

​A documentary about our Silver Swans® classes...


Want to become a Silver Swan®?

0161-280 6234

Johanna is an inspirational teacher. She is kind patient and makes us all feel comfortable and welcome. Johanna not only teaches with a professionalism which is outstanding but I love the way she explains the stories behind the ballets. Her classes have brought a new magical world to life for me and our trips to to see live performances are fabulous. My ballet class is an hour each week of beautiful music and dance and I leave feeling peaceful, uplifted and energised. It's a highlight of my week and my fellow Swans are so lovely. 

Paula, 61 – Silver Swans®