General News
25 June, 2024
Ballet tutor leads young and old in a merry dance
Horsham Library temporarily became a performing arts centre as young children as well as seniors were given an opportunity to channel their "inner dancer".
Under the expert instruction of Australian Ballet Education and Outreach program instructor Jasmin Dwyer, a class for children aged three to five participated in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and a dance adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.
Ms Dwyer, who has a decade's experience teaching the education and outreach program, said the sessions provided country people access to dance classes and opportunities available in larger centres.
"It's a wonderful job to have and the kids enjoy it so much," she said.
She said the dance activities promoted movement skills development, co-operation, sequencing and literacy while exploring ballet stories through dance.
The workshops were accessible to all young children and adults, regardless of learning styles or physical abilities.
Seniors over 60 years of age also had the opportunity to take part in a class.
Their workshop centred around performances by the Australian Ballet Education and Outreach team and the Australian Ballet On Tour production, including Sleeping Beauty.
Seated, standing and supported options for movement were provided.
The class involved a warm-up and introduction to ballet movement and exercises focusing on ballet stories with the goal of channelling grace and beauty.
The aim for seniors was to promote strength and mobility and improve balance, hand-eye co-ordination, memory and musicality while connecting with dance.
Ms Dwyer also led sessions at Horsham College.
The Australian Ballet’s education program has given more than 200,000 children and adults an opportunity to experience dance across regional and remote areas as well as in outer metropolitan areas.