Meet Marilyn Culpitt and the Ascot School of Dance Silver Swans
It has been an absolute pleasure teaching my Silver Swans. They are all so eager and engaged – I wish all my students had the same devotion! I now teach three classes per week and many of my Swans do two and some three classes each week. Of course, there is the obligatory ‘coffee’ after class so the group has become quite social and supportive.
I started teaching my Swans about two and a half years ago and they have become some of my favourite classes to teach. I suggested they perform in my end-of-year concert back in 2019, and although they were initially reluctant, they participated and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They were the ones asking me last year ‘what they would be doing in the concert?’ I can’t wait for this year!
They have been featured in the Courier-Mail here in Queensland, performed at a local retirement village and recently a story was done in our local publication about my eldest Swan, Marjorie who is now 88!
The Side by Side program was a wonderful way to share our love of dance across the globe. Initially, we arranged a ‘meet and greet’ via Zoom which was very successful …. although we all felt a little guilty sitting here in our short sleeves while our UK friends were bundled up against the cold. Some of my Swans participated in a Zoom class with Johanna which they enjoyed. The time difference was our biggest drawback. Johanna paired my Swans with hers and so many are still exchanging emails. My Swans insisted on buying the T-shirts that my young students wear and I believe one of my Swans sent a T-shirt to her ’email friend’ as a gift!
Below are some comments from my Silver Swans
The programme is so effective in terms of strengthening, mobility and balance – quite apart from the benefits of maintenance and improvement of cognitive skills – all presented in an atmosphere of congeniality, support, a welcoming community, plus beautiful music – and all achieved gently and with laughter. Louise – 84
The classes are uplifting. I think we all leave feeling happier. Anon
My class under Marilyn is very enjoyable. She knows exactly how to pace us, good posture is encouraged, the speed of the music is always a consideration. It’s so good for my confidence, concentration & exercise, a very calm welcoming class is a joy to attend. Ann
I enjoyed every aspect of the Silver Swans initiative. Side by Side is an additional joy, sharing our love of dance with a ballet school and ladies from literally the other side of the world. Thank you sincerely Marilyn for introducing the program. Elva
I’ve made a new friend in a faraway land that I love sharing stories with. I also loved the opportunity to participate in their classes. Elisha – 45 Find out more about Elisha who lives with a neurological movemet disorder in RAD Voices
I am still welcoming new ladies into the Silver Swans classes on a weekly basis. As one of my Swans said recently “you are providing for the aged community a safe exercise space, increased mobility, community involvement, an opportunity to continue an interest in the arts and a discussion group for people who otherwise have an isolated life”. I must admit it’s one of the most enjoyable classes I currently teach …. biggest problem now is deciding what they are going to do in the end-of-year concert!
Find out more about Silver Swans classes at Ascot School of Dance