For the Love of Ballet

The Golden Giselles wrapped up an eight-week program yesterday showcasing their skills to Shire staff and President Tania Jackson at Leschenault Leisure Centre.

The group of 61 ladies have gathered across two localities to learn ballet once a week for eight weeks.

The ballet program has been led by Shire Community Development Officer Stella Johnson who started it because she had received expressions of interest from community members interested in learning ballet.

Ms Johnson also has a background teaching ballet and said she had been in awe of the ladies’ ability to learn the discipline in such a short amount of time.

She said the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries approached her to apply for an active ageing grant to enable the program to run.

“I sent out expressions of interests and once I knew there was enough interest I applied for the grant,” Ms Johnson said.

It has not only improved the participants’ coordination, posture and muscle tone, but it has increased social participation and overall health and wellbeing of the seniors who took part in the program, she said.

The classes will restart after the April School Holidays.

Classes in Harvey will remain on Mondays at 1.00pm and Australind classes will be on Tuesdays, with times still to be confirmed.

For more information or to join the Golden Giselles call the Shire on 9729 0300.