Ballet classes just for older adults offer physical and psychological health benefits｜Taiwan News

Who says ballet is just for children? More and more ballet classes for older adults are opening across Taiwan. The trend is to use ballet as an artistic training for muscle stamina and balance in older age. Such classes are enjoyed by those who danced ballet in their youth, as well as those who have never put dance shoes on before. Students say they appreciate the psychological as well as physical health benefits.

The student’s hands extend in an arc, accentuating the leap of the legs. This lively country dance is called a galop. The dancers keep their balance by holding a bar as they adjust their posture in the mirror, but contrary to stereotypes, they’re all rich in years.

Li Pei-lun
Student
I learned the foundations of ballet as a child, and then when I changed schools I gradually stopped learning. Much later, after I retired, I really wanted to pick up my ballet dream again. Everyone looks so beautiful in the clothing and our poses are getting better and better. I think it’s great.

These dancers have returned to ballet over the age of 50. Li Pei-lun turns up for class every week. Her flexibility and memory are not the same as they once were, but she applies herself diligently and achieves a beautiful elegance.

Her classmate, Wang Mei-chun, is of the same generation. She never danced in her youth. After 30 years as a clinical psychologist, and then a bout of illness, she found herself on the dancefloor for the first time.

Wang Mei-chun
Student
I had a problem with cancer, and it felt like I needed to totally rethink how I organize my time and my focus in life. And then by a stroke of luck, I saw a news report about ballet, how it’s not only good for your physical health but also enhances some psychological capacities.

Traditional ballet training focuses heavily on technique. But a recent European trend to teach ballet for older people, focusing more on muscle stamina and limb coordination, is gradually catching on in Taiwan.

Luo Wei-chun
Dance teacher
In ballet for older people, we really, really concentrate on the joints, and on building up the muscles. Their balance improves and it can prevent muscle loss.

These students are cutting a lively figure across the dance floor, and setting an elegant example for vivacious older life.

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