The health benefits of rhythmic movement have been proven over and over again, and now a new opportunity has found its way to Merritt.

Silver Swans is an international dance program for seniors that has recently come to the Love to Dance Academy.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) studied the benefits of dance for older participants in their Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project, and designed an adaptive and specially-tailored program ideal for those 55 and older – although there is no lower or upper age limit to join.

Lizette Nel, head dance teacher and artistic director for the Love to Dance Academy, completed her training to become an official Silver Swans Licensee in Toronto in August 2019, and launched the program in Merritt in September 2019.

The program has been well received in the community, with several enthusiastic participants. Nel believes the social, physical and psychological benefits of the classes are numerous.

“Our ‘Golden Girls’ absolutely love their dancing, and it felt like the right thing to do to expand the current dance program to include Silver Swans ballet classes,” said Nel. “Silver Swans classes help improve balance, mobility, posture, coordination, and energy levels, and then of course there is that sense of wellbeing that dance brings.”

Silver Swans ballet classes take place every Friday at 10:30 at the Love to Dance Academy, located at 1976 Quilchena Ave.