A BERKSHIRE dance school has taken some of its senior students to perform in Greece alongside artistes from all corners of the globe.
Silver Swans, all over 50s dancers at the Dance with Sonia Brown ballet school, took to the stage at the Athens Acropolis open-air Dora Stratou Theatre, as part of the UNESCO/International Dance Council’s World Congress.
The school specialises in over-50s/low-impact ballet tap and jazz classes, with nearly 300 dancers attending its various classes in Reading, Thatcham and Newbury.
In early July, 25 of its Silver Swans performed two group numbers: one ballet, one jazz; a student-choreographed solo; and a silk-flag quartet.
Ballet school founder and director Sonia Brown said: “Having toured the local recreational dance gala circuit for five years, and performing at the Royal Academy of Dance London HQ, our mature performers set their sights on going international.”
Most of the dancers travelling to Greece were in their 60s and 70s, with the oldest in her 80s.
One said: “It really was the most incredible experience in so many ways.
“To dance in such an amazing place was wonderful – but there are so many other lovely memories too.
“For me, it was a chance to reconnect with my 21 year old self (that was the last time l was in Athens) and to rediscover my love of exploring new places and experiencing the past.”
Some of the dancers had joined the Silver Swans as novices and got the performing bug, others had previously danced professionally, and for several more this opportunity was their debut on stage.
“They were the standout performance of the night,” said Sonia.
“The audience’s energy picked up as soon as they stepped on stage, ending in roars of applause in their final number, Don’t Leave Me this Way.”
While in Athens, the dancers also visited the Acropolis and celebrated their success – and one dancer’s 60th birthday – over dinner in a local Greek restaurant.
“We like to prove that it really is never too late to do something big,” said Sonia.
For information, visit: withsoniabrown.com
