Golden Swans: Ballet for Seniors & Limited Mobility

We are excited to introduce a NEW class at Gasper's School of Dance! Our "Golden Swans" class is aimed for ages 60+ and is a low impact ballet class. This is a classical ballet class with modifications for those with limited mobility and those looking for a slower paced class to work on flexibility, balance and more!

Sign Up today at gaspersschoolofdance.com/season

Ballet for Every Body: How Dance Benefits Seniors & Those with Limited Mobility

Ballet isn’t just for the young—it’s for the young at heart! Whether you’re over 60 or have limited mobility, ballet offers a graceful way to stay active, improve balance, and uplift the spirit. At any age or ability level, the beauty of movement can enhance both physical and mental well-being.

Why Ballet is Great for Older Adults

As we age, maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance becomes essential. Ballet provides a low-impact, full-body workout that supports overall health in many ways:

1. Improves Balance & Stability Ballet helps strengthen core and leg muscles, which are crucial for stability and fall prevention. The slow, controlled movements enhance proprioception (your body’s awareness in space), making daily movements safer and more confident.

2. Boosts Cognitive Function Learning and remembering ballet sequences keeps the brain engaged, improving memory, focus, and coordination. Studies suggest that dance may help delay cognitive decline and even reduce the risk of dementia.

3. Enhances Flexibility & Mobility Gentle stretching and fluid movements in ballet help keep joints limber, reducing stiffness and increasing mobility. This can be especially beneficial for those with arthritis or other conditions that limit movement.

4. Supports Cardiovascular & Bone Health Ballet provides a weight-bearing, low-impact workout that strengthens bones, reducing osteoporosis risk. It also promotes circulation and heart health without putting excess strain on the body.

5. Encourages Social Connection & Emotional Well-being Group ballet classes create a sense of community, combating isolation and loneliness. Dancing fosters self-expression, joy, and creativity, leading to improved mood and self-confidence.

Ballet for Those with Limited Mobility

Even if standing or extensive movement is challenging, ballet can be adapted to meet different abilities. Seated and modified ballet classes allow individuals to experience the benefits of dance while working within their range of motion.

We are able to provide the opportunity to take breaks and sit down to fit your needs and pace for our Golden Swans class.

1. Seated & Adaptive Ballet Options Gentle movements can be performed while seated, focusing on posture, arm movements, and coordination. These exercises engage muscles while being accessible and comfortable.

2. Enhances Muscle Engagement Without Strain Even small, controlled ballet movements can improve circulation and prevent stiffness. Strengthening muscles through intentional movement can support overall mobility and independence.

3. Boosts Confidence & Mental Well-being Ballet is more than just exercise—it’s an art form that promotes self-expression and mindfulness. Dancing, even in a limited capacity, can be empowering and emotionally rewarding.

The Science Behind Dance & Aging

Research continues to highlight the powerful benefits of dance for aging adults. Studies show that:

• Dance-based exercise improves balance and reduces fall risk (Journal of Aging and Physical Activity).

• Dancing supports brain health and cognitive function (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience).

• Movement-based arts contribute to emotional well-being and reduce stress (American Journal of Health Promotion).

Ready to Give Ballet a Try?

If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing or want to explore a new way to move, ballet is a wonderful option—no prior experience required! Golden Swans is a gentle ballet class, with adaptive movement everyone can benefit from bringing out your elegance and joy of dance.

At Gasper’s School of Dance, we believe ballet is for every body, and we welcome dancers of all ages and abilities. Stay active, stay inspired, and embrace the beauty of movement!

No experience necessary, no dress code. Wear something comfortable to move in. For footwear: socks, ballet slippers, or any shoes you are comfortable wearing are okay. Just come move with us!

Interested in learning more about our Golden Swans for seniors or those with limited mobility? Contact us today to register and special pricing:

• Email - info@gaspersschoolofdance.com,

• Call or Text: 701-353-2465,

• Register online at https://app.gostudiopro.com/online/gsdpa

• Stop by and join us EVERY Tuesday from 8:30am - 9:30am at our Downtown Studio starting February 11, 2025.

Studio Update | Dec 9, 2021

Happy December,

We have sent an update out to our studio families today, December 9, 2021. Please check your email so you are up-to-date on the latest things happening at Gasper's School of Dance.

Here is also a link to that email so you can view and reference it.

Have a great rest of your week and holiday season.

Round 3 Info & Announcements

Happy Round 3 dance family and friends! We are so excited to continue to dance with you this season. Here are some updates for Round 3.

DRESS UP WEEK

October 25-31, 2021 is dress up week at both our studios! Come in your favorite dance costume, halloween costume, or dress-up wear. Be sure you can still dance and move as you will still dance during class. We can't wait to see your costume(s) this week!

BRING A FRIEND

Due to COVID we do have a few extra steps for your friend to join you in class this week.

1. Class that your friend will attend must not be full.

2. Your friend's parent will need to "trial register" their child for a class through our parent portal.

   1. Please note that they will need to enter payment information but NO charges will be charged to their credit card or bank account unless they register for a class at a later date.

3. Be sure to let your friend's family know which class, day, time and studio it is located so they can easily sign-up for the trial class.

Direct them to this post if they need help with the steps.

We are asking them to sign-up this way so we can have parents / caregivers sign our policies for safety reasons. We also want to make sure that classes are not too full to keep our dancers and staff safe and healthy due to COVID-19.

If you have any questions or anyone needs assistance, please have them email info@gaspersschoolofdance.com or call 701-234-9440 and Ms. Cris or one of our front desk staff will assist them.

POLICIES MUST be signed prior to a friend attending class with your dancer.

Thank you.

ROUND 3

Round 3 begins today, Monday October 25 and ends Sunday, November 21.

Payments will automatically be deducted today per the card you have on file. Unless you prepaid with cash, check or credit card prior to todays date.

THANKSGIVING BREAK

Please note that we do not have regularly scheduled classes November 22-28, 2021 as we will take the week off for Thanksgiving Break.

If you are interested in scheduling private lessons during this time, please contact info@gaspersschoolofdance.com and we can assist you in scheduling. Other wise enjoy the week off with your family and friends.

Competition teams do have practice scheduled Monday and Tuesday of that week.