There was music, movement and plenty of smiles at Mercy Place Fernhill in Sandringham, as residents swapped their usual activities for a special ballet class.
Residents were among the first in Victoria to experience Ballet4Wellbeing, a specially adapted seated ballet program that gives older Australians the chance to enjoy dance, regardless of their experience or ability.
Led by former professional ballet dancers Aurelien Scannella and Sandy Delasalle, who have more than 35 years of combined experience, the program introduces residents to ballet in a way that suits their individual abilities.
For 90-year-old resident Margaret Durston, the session brought back fond memories of her childhood. Having first tried dancing at the age of 10, Margaret once dreamed of performing on stage.
“You can be down and out and hear that music and you feel alive again, and that’s what I like to feel,” she said.
Rather than perfecting pirouettes, residents are guided through gentle seated ballet movements designed to support strength, posture, balance and coordination, while encouraging creativity relaxation and social connection.
There was plenty of fun along the way, with residents embracing the chance to dress up in tutus, pink glittery makeup and colourful scarves.
For Aurelien and Sandy, one of the most rewarding parts of the program has been helping older Australians fulfill a lifelong dream.
“The number of participants telling us that one of their dreams was always to become a ballet dancer, and then finally they get to do it,” Aurelien said.
Mercy Health Executive General Manager Aged & Community Care Jo Skonieczna Masri said programs such as Ballet4Wellbeing offer residents more than an opportunity to stay active.
“Isolation is the new pandemic, so anything that we can do to foster connection and improve people’s wellbeing is important,” Jo said.
Following its first session at Fernhill, Ballet4Wellbeing will be introduced at other Mercy Health residential aged care homes across Melbourne, giving more residents the chance to enjoy the music, movement and companionship that ballet can bring.
Channel 9 visited Mercy Place Fernill, watch below:
