In the golden years of life, simple joys often reignite the spark of youth within us. At a Perth aged-care facility, a heartwarming initiative is doing just that, proving that the grace and poise of ballet aren't reserved for the young and sprightly alone. The former leaders of the Western Australia Ballet have taken on a mission to lift the spirits and health of seniors through the art of dance, and the results are nothing short of inspiring.

When a group of seniors, some in their 80s and 90s, gathered hesitantly for a ballet class at Bethanie Como, few could have predicted the transformation to unfold. Ballet, with its leaps and lifts, might seem an unlikely activity for those whose dancing days are thought to be behind them. Yet, under the guidance of Sandrine Delassale and Lisa Purchas, two esteemed dance professionals, these seniors found themselves syncing to the rhythm and rediscovering the joy of movement.


The 45-minute trial class wasn't just about physical activity but a journey back in time for participants like 82-year-old Jannie May. 'It was wonderful,' she exclaimed, recalling the childhood memories that the class evoked. 'We should all dance. It's good for us.' Jannie, who still plays golf and hits the gym, found the ballet class a unique and special experience that brought her immense joy.


The instructors, Delassale and Purchas, have been conducting similar classes across Perth, witnessing the profound impact of dance on seniors. Delassale shared an anecdote of a reluctant participant who was beaming with happiness by the end of the session, feeling like 'the king of the world.' It's a testament to the power of ballet to uplift and empower, regardless of age.


Lisa Hepburn, Bethanie's therapy team leader, initially had doubts. But as the music played and the residents began to move, she saw a remarkable transformation. The seniors achieved graceful extensions and fluid movements, a sight that was 'lovely to watch.'

The innovative use of ballet as therapy has its roots in a personal story. Purchas, moved by her mother's struggle with Alzheimer's, created a series of dance exercises and shared them on YouTube. This initiative caught the attention of many and led to the formation of Ballet 4 Wellbeing, a company dedicated to developing what they believe is a world-first therapy for those facing the mental and physical challenges of aging.

Aurelian Scanella, former artistic director of WA Ballet, is also part of this pioneering team. Having used dance to recover from a severe childhood traffic accident, he understands ballet's therapeutic potential. The team is eager to document their findings for the medical community, and a researcher will soon begin quantifying and assessing the results.


What makes this program groundbreaking is its holistic approach. It's not just about the physical movements but about the neural pathways connecting the brain to the body. Dance, even when performed in chairs, can ignite these pathways and bring a sense of joy and engagement to seniors who may otherwise be non-communicative and reluctant.

This heartwarming ballet innovation is more than just a dance class; it's a celebration of life, a reminder that age is just a number and that the arts can play a crucial role in our well-being at any stage. It's a story of rejuvenation, of seniors with smiles, and of a community coming together to dance the dance of life.
This beautiful initiative moves us at the Seniors Discount Club and encourages our readers to share their thoughts and experiences with the arts as a form of therapy. Have you or a loved one found joy and healing in dance or music? Let us know in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going about the wonderful ways we can enrich our lives as we age.