29 July 2019 11:41
From cygnets to swans: Jenny and Dianne's Silver Swans story
On International Day of Friendship, we would like to share with you a remarkable story of two childhood friends, Dianne Reece and Jenny Evans, who rekindled their lifelong friendship through joining RAD Registered Teacher, Lara Ross' Silver Swans class in Derbyshire.
Jenny and Dianne with their new dancing friend Penny Leake
Jenny Evans:
“Dianne and I both joined Silver Swans at Peak Ballet, in Matlock, Derbyshire in 2017. We attended different primary schools in Wolverhampton in the 1950’s and only saw one another at ballet class. At secondary school we became close friends and continued our ballet lessons together after school. As adults we eventually found ourselves living within a few miles of one another, in Derbyshire and as soon as I heard about our local “ Silver Swans” class I knew that Dianne would be as keen as myself to go along.
Apart from rekindling our friendship it has given us a great deal; refocusing on our posture in everyday situations, and has definitely helped to improve overall balance. The little sequences which Lara puts together are a real test of memory and encourages concentration. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the enjoyment of sharing the experience with a lovely set of new friends, getting lost in the music and feeling completely uplifted when we come to the end of the session. Admittedly there has also been a lot of reminiscing!!”