Silver Swans at the Ballet Class Rose Bay, NSW
Name of Silver Swans Teacher
Christine Atkinson
Studio
The Ballet Class
690, New South Head Road, Rose Bay, 2029
www.theballetclass.net.au
info@theballetclass.net.au
T: 02 93655221
About Christine
Christine Atkinson originates from Cardiff, UK and relocated to Sydney in 1992. At the age of 10 Christine joined The Welsh National Ballet School and at 16 became a fulltime student of The Rambert School of Ballet, London under the guidance of Dame Marie Rambert.
Christine taught for The Welsh Arts Council and Ogwr Borough Council and has completed both the RAD Teaching Diploma and Teaching Certificate with Distinction.
Before moving to Australia Christine was on The Executive Committee of The Dance Council for Wales and The Royal Academy of Dancing’s South Wales Committee, UK.
Now settled in Sydney Christine is a RAD Examiner, Registered Teacher, Freelance Faculty Tutor, CBTS Mentor and CPD Tutor. She is Principal of The Ballet Class, Sydney and privately tutors worldwide.
Christine was one of the first teachers to pilot Silver Swans in Australia and helped launched the initiative in 2018. She and her Swans can be seen in all the RAD Australia Silver Swans promotional videos and she is a wonderful Ambassador for the programme.
Q and A with Christine
What made you choose to become a Silver Swans Licensee?
I chose to become a Silver Swans Licensee as I was aware that many adults were keen to dance as a hobby
What do you tell people who are interested in becoming a Silver Swan?
I encourage the mature learner to accept their physical restrictions but to allow the movements and the music to feed their soul.
Do any of your Swans take RAD exams or learn any of the RAD syllabus?
My Silver Swans have enjoyed great success in taking RAD Vocational and Discovering Repertoire Examinations.
Besides the enjoyment of dance, what do you think Silver Swans get out of coming to your classes?
The Swans have formed a wonderful friendship circle and have their own “Whats app’ chat
How does dance help build resilience in older women?
Dance develops a certain confidence in the older learner together with improving co-ordination and balance.
"I never had any dance experience and I was completely intimidated. I've always wanted to dance so when I saw the sign, with some trepidation, I said 'should I, shouldn't I?' but then I gave it a go and I love it!"Silver Swan from The Ballet Class.