A group of senior dancers from the borough enjoyed a once in a lifetime event.
The Silver Swans, in their 50’s and over, were invited to a day of workshops, and a gala performance in London.
Ballet teacher Sonia Brown, from Reading, took her performers to London’s Royal Academy of Dance to take part in the first ever Silver Swans Celebration.
There they enjoyed a day of workshops culminating in a gala performance of senior dancers from all over the world.
“It was an honour and a super special occasion to be performing at such a prestigious place,” said Ms Brown.
“My dancers, who have a mixture of dance experience, felt it was a once in a lifetime day.
“It was a real retirement hobby come London ballet debut.”
A dance class was followed by a technical rehearsal, with talks and dance workshops throughout the day.
“Some of my dancers learnt the white swan solo from Swan Lake which they said worked their arms hard,” said Ms Brown, “while others learnt a tambourine dance from Esmeralda.” The gala performance to end the day, was introduced and watched by journalist and television presenter Angela Rippon.
“This was just before she dashed off to Strictly,” added Ms Brown.
“My dancers were wonderful.
“They performed their choreography to Piano Man by Billy Joel.
“But the cherry on the cake was Angela visiting them in the interval and placing her hands on our dancer, Janet’s shoulders.
“As tickets for the show were limited, our other Silver Swans couldn’t watch us in person.
“But we’re planning our own screening party of the footage in a few weeks so everyone can be part of the experience.”
Silver Swan Ballet Classes take place in Woodley, Reading, Thatcham and Newbury.
For more information, visit: www.withsoniabrown.com or her Silver Swans Facebook page
