AS A girl, Vicki Wilson dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina.
A child prodigy who started dancing at four, her hopes were shattered just before her 17th birthday when she injured her knee.
“I went through emotional hell,” recalls Vicki, now 61. “Music was my life and ballet was my passion and all I ever wanted to do was to be a ballet dancer.”
After that the Queenslander never danced again – until this year. “I had an inspiration one day and thought ‘I have to do something’ so
I started googling to see if there were dance classes for seniors around.” She stumbled upon Queensland Ballet’s new ballet for seniors classes.
“The first time I put on ballet shoes after all that time I was very nervous, but when I walked into the Queensland Ballet studio, I just felt like I was home.
“As soon as the teacher said the words, ‘Hands on barre, first position and plie’, it all came back. It was a very emotional moment.”
Vicki is part of a group of older women and men taking part in the classes, which started in 2015.
Ballet teacher Melissa Tattam said the class is about letting participants go at their own pace. “Some of them have had knee reconstructions, so there are no jumps, lifts, pirouettes or grand plies,” she said.
A physiotherapist and former professional ballet dancer, Melissa said everyone gets something different out of the class. “For some it brings back memories, for others its about interacting socially.“And we have to be very careful with any sort of turns because as people get older their vestibular system can start to decline.”
“And physically it helps improve their balance, strength and memory, as they have to remember the steps and positions.” Vicki has noticed changes in returning to the barre.
“My legs are so much stronger – I can walk along the beach now without being in pain,” she said. “I was trying to find where my core strength and balance went to, and now I can’t believe I can stand on full demi-point without falling over!”
She said there was also an “incredible bond” with her fellow dancers. “One chap is in his 60s and has always wanted to try ballet but never been game. “Now we all go out for coffee after class.”
For her, finding ballet has been a life-changer. “I’ve found Vicki again. My heart feels lighter.”
Details on (07) 3013-6666, www.queenslandballet.com.au
