It is excellent news that the Royal Academy of Dance is expanding its programme of teaching old people ballet. Those past retirement age, if such a thing still exists, may already enjoy ballroom dancing or line dancing, and ballet is simply the most scientific and ambitious form of dance. Moreover, dance, like laughter and song, is a thing universal to mankind.
As Alexander Pope noted, “Those move easiest who have learned to dance”. They possess an advantage that lasts, for there comes an age when even standing securely is counted as a blessing. Loss of confidence can lead to a fall, the very thing feared. Ballet beings confidence in establishing poise and equilibrium.
More than that, it restores an appreciation that moving the body is beautiful even for those who have long left behind the conventional beauties of youth. Just as gardening is not just a means to fresh air and purposeful exercise (but also produces the delights of a garden), so ballet for old people is not merely useful in strengthening muscles or regaining suppleness.
It adds a new character to its practitioners’ hundred other accomplishments. Forget the tutus and pumps; ballet begins inside.
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