Name of Silver Swans Teacher
Marilyn Culpitt
Studio
Ascot School of Dance
Hamilton Town Hall
Corner of Racecourse Road and Rossiter Parade
Hamilton, Brisbane
www.ascotschoolofdance.com
marilyn.culpitt@ascotschoolofdance.com.au
T: 0417 629 066
About Marilyn
Marilyn trained under Margaret Scott (nee Paull) and Paul Hammond in Melbourne. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Dance and a Bachelor of Education which she commenced in her early 40s while at the same time opening Ascot School of Dance. Marilyn is a Registered Teacher with both the RAD and Comdance and thinks of life as a continuous learning process, which is one of the reasons she decided to participate in the Silver Swans program four years ago.
Marilyn has four children and nine grandchildren.
""...it's the most wonderful way of exploring movement to beautiful music.""Ascot School of Dance
Marilyn Culpitt with Silver Swan Margery aged 89
Q and A with Marilyn
What made you choose to become a Silver Swans Licensee?
I had not actually intended to teach Silver Swans when I became a licensee, I was just looking to expand my dance knowledge base. One of my ‘grandmothers’ approached me to start and it has been an amazing experience – that was over three and a half years ago!
What do you tell people who are interested in becoming a Silver Swan?
If anybody wishes to start the classes I assure them that no prior knowledge of dance is required. Everything is scaffolded and done to your own ability. That it’s the most wonderful way of exploring movement to beautiful music. It will improve their balance and cognitive skills and keep them fit and mobile.
Do any of your Swans take RAD exams or learn any of the RAD syllabus?
While none of my Swans have ever done an exam I do utilise parts of the RAD grades syllabi including a modified version of Discovering Repertoire.
Besides the enjoyment of dance, what do you think Silver Swans get out of coming to your classes?
Apart from the obvious benefits of attending the classes the ladies enjoy a wonderful social interaction. They usually always go for coffee after class and I promote this camaraderie with lunches held throughout the year.
How does dance help build resilience in older women?
I believe these ladies not only gain physical strength but also emotional resilience by being a part of such a wonderfully supportive group, particularly as many of these ladies are on their own