Ballet for Older People at St Leonard's Church Hall offers three classes-a-week
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A former professional dancer who performed on the international stage is now helping local folk stay healthy.
Fiona Hay has been running 'Ballet for Older People' at St Leonard's Church Hall since 2019, offering three classes-a-week on Mondays at 11am, 12.30pm and 6.30pm to attendees aged from 53 to 80-years-old with a range of abilities.
She said: "The morning class suits the demographic who don’t like dark winter nights. The midday class is for beginners. The early evening class suits older people who are still in work.
"Some members have been attending since the classes started!"
Fiona trained at the Royal Ballet (Lower) School from the age of 10, latterly at The Rambert School of Dance in classical ballet and contemporary dance techniques.
She went on to be a professional dancer of both dance forms, working with dance companies in the UK and abroad.
Latterly Fiona worked for Scottish Ballet's Education Unit as an outreach worker/dance artist in residence for Highland Council.
More recently, she undertook training with the Royal Academy of Dance to adapt ballet classes for older people.
Research shows that 75 per cent of factors affecting quality of life and longevity are related to lifestyle - only 25 per cent are hereditary. Dance can help ensure a longer and better quality of life. It is known to increase energy levels, reduce stress, support weight loss, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve the immune system, diminish symptoms of depression, improve balance, increase cognitive ability and may even help stave off dementia.
Fiona said: "With age, muscle power becomes less effective and can affect balance, coordination and other physical skills. Ballet is a creative and imaginative way to counteract the effects. It is also an expressive art form, not just exercise."
Fiona's classes are one hour long and cover basic classical ballet technique and choreography, accompanied by music.
Carol Pope (80) is a fan of Fiona's teaching at the mid-morning class.
"I enjoy the camaraderie," she said. "The exercise is great for posture, suppleness and co-ordination but it is also especially good for the mind. Ballet is a real work out for the brain and the body!"
Lesley Mawhinnie (53) attends the early evening class.
She said: "I love being immersed in dance at the end of a day of work, especially if it has been difficult or demanding! I'm taken back to memories of my happy childhood attending ballet classes. I definitely feel more supple through attending."
Ballet for Older People restarted on Monday, April 24 after a break for Easter. Call Fiona on 01309676334 for more information.
