Name of Silver Swans Teacher

Alice Carden

Studio

Silver Swans with Alice
Newcastle, NSW

www.silverswanswithalice.com
info@alicecarden.com
T: 0448 407 433

About Alice

Alice was born in the seaside town of Bournemouth in the UK and has been dancing since the age of 3. She received her Bachelors degree in Ballet Education from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London, as well as the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD), Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD) and Registered Teacher’s Status. After teaching in numerous schools in the London area, she set out to travel the world, which has seen her settle in Australia to pursue her career as a dance teacher.

Now based in Newcastle NSW, Alice continues to teach her passion for dance, entering students of all ages for RAD examinations, teaching workshops and recreational classes, and creating solos and troupes for eisteddfods, and assessing trainee teachers. She has established a growing community of adult ballet classes throughout the local area, providing opportunities for adults to return to dance or learn a new skill as a beginner.

Q and A with Alice

What made you choose to become a Silver Swans Licensee?

I chose to become a Silver Swans licensee as I was already teaching adult ballet classes, and wanted to improve my skills to help assist with teaching older learners. The workshop really helped with learning how to adapt and modify my teaching style to suit adults better. Plus having access to the RAD branding helps with marketing.

What do you tell people who are interested in becoming a Silver Swan?

Come along and try it! Everyone starts as a beginner, and we all understand getting in the door is the first challenge. But once you’ve met the wonderful community of people that attend, it instantly puts you at ease, and as soon as the music starts you’ll lose all inhibitions. And then you’re too busy concentrating on your left from your right!

Do any of your Swans take RAD exams or learn any of the RAD syllabus?

Yes! Last year we had a group participate in their RAD Grade 5 examination, receiving fantastic results. At the end of this year, we have a larger group entered into the Discovering Repertoire examination. We have a diverse group involved, with our eldest being in her 60’s!

Besides the enjoyment of dance, what do you think Silver Swans get out of coming to your classes?

We have built such a wonderful community of people, and students have made lifelong friends. Everyone bonds over the mutual love of dance, and class is a safe place to learn and laugh. Of course there are huge health benefits, such as improving balance, coordination, strength, and a healthy heart. Some students attend purely for their mental health too!

How does dance help build resilience in older women?

The gentle form of exercise is so much more enjoyable than attending a gym, and the slow targeted movements assist in building strength and stability, but still have a cardio aspect to it. It also helps build confidence and self worth, alongside building strong relationships with other like-minded people and forming a strong sense of community.