The Palaszczuk Government is partnering with Queensland Ballet and COTA Queensland to host a free ballet class for seniors at Brisbane City Hall on Sunday 26 August as part of Queensland Seniors Week (18 – 26 August) celebrations.
Minister for Seniors, Coralee O’Rourke, said the free ballet class, which will be the flagship event for Queensland Seniors Week, would be open to 250 seniors and will be hosted by world renowned ballet star and Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Li Cunxin, whose remarkable life inspired the film Mao’s Last Dancer.
The event will also include a Tiny Dancers ballet class for children aged two to five-years-old, providing an opportunity for grandparents to engage with their grandchildren through dance.
The free ballet class will be held at the Ithaca Auditorium in the Brisbane City Hall from 8.30am to 11am on Sunday 26 August, with morning tea provided.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin said he was excited to partner with the Palaszczuk Government and COTA as Queensland Ballet is passionate about facilitating programs and opportunities to promote health and wellbeing outcomes for active older adults.
He added that Queensland Ballet has long been providing a range of classes for older people through their Seniors in Studio program that includes everything from beginner ballet to a specialist Dance for Parkinson’s program and is hoping that this ballet class during Seniors Week will provide a taste of what ballet can do to help improve seniors health and sense of wellbeing.
Recent research by Queensland Ballet in conjunction with the Queensland University of Technology found that seniors who were given ballet lessons experienced improved energy levels and posture as well as greater flexibility and an enhanced sense of achievement.
Seniors who are interested in attending are asked to contact the Queensland Ballet at www.queenslandballet.com.au/seniorsweek or call 07 3013 6666 to register their interest and secure their place.
Find out more about Queensland Seniors Week, including events and activities please visit www.qldseniorsweek.org.au.
