How to go
What: Dayton Ballet School Gold Classes (a ballet class for senior citizens)
Where: SSK South Studio, 894 S. Main St., Centerville
When: 2-4 p.m. Jan. 11
Cost: Free
More info: 937-223-1542
Gayle Smith is not content to settle into a recliner and spend her golden years with a remote control in hand.
The 67-year-old Miami Twp. resident is dancing through her golden years. Smith takes dance classes at the Dayton Ballet School, in the school’s Gold classes – designed for those 50 and older. Classes include tap, ballet and Zumba Gold.
“Keeping in shape is a huge benefit, but it’s also a lot of fun,” Smith said. “I know lots of people my age who don’t do a whole lot. Some of them even say ‘I’ve always wanted to dance,’ but they don’t do it.”
Smith, herself, has had a few excuses to take it easy, two to be exact, as she has undergone two knee replacement surgeries over the past two years.
“It’s actually much easier to dance now than it was before,” she said, smiling.
Fitness programs for older adults and functional fitness — using strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living — are two of the top 10 fitness trends for 2015, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.
“You can have a 90-year-old who runs five marathons a year and a 60-year-old whose only exercise is three trips to the refrigerator a day,” said Drew Pringle, Wright State University associate professor and chairperson, kinesiology and health. “It’s a population that is extremely variable. It’s difficult to make a one-size-fits-all exercise plan.
“But research has shown that there is no age that is considered too old that you can’t make a change and become more fit.”
A wealth of experience
In the Dayton Ballet School Gold classes, it isn’t “do as I say,” it’s most definitely “do as I do.”
Several of the Gold classes — offered at the school’s South Studio in Centerville — are taught by instructors who qualify for senior status themselves.
At 73 years old, Zumba Gold instructor Richard Croskey is a testament to the benefits of maintaining a fitness routine. But, while he has been dancing and working out for most of his seven decades, he has also seen significant gains achieved by fitness rookies.
“It’s a great cardio workout, and we address important things like balance,” he said. “But it’s also good for the mind, because you really have to pay attention and remember sequences of steps.
School director Carol Jean Heller, who once danced with the Ballet Repertory in New York, teaches the tap classes. Heller, herself, underwent hip replacement surgery three years ago.
“Seniors make great students because they are very aware of their physical condition and limitations,” Heller said. “And the instructors are also aware of those limitations so we can design the classes to suit the needs of those students.”
Improved coordination, flexibility and balance, as well as stronger abs and core, are among the many benefits Heller has seen in her fellow senior dancers.
No tutus required
While young dancers plie and jete in leotards and tights, the attire for students in the Gold classes is more casual.
“Comfortable clothes are fine, like leggings,” Heller said. “Proper shoes though are important.”
Classes are modified to meet the needs of the older students.
“We don’t get down on the floor, it might be too hard to get up,” Heller said, with a knowing smile.
There are also no jumps, no torqueing and the pace might be slightly slower. But the smiles on the students’ faces when they complete a sequence for the first time is proof that the fun is not minimized by the modifications.
“People who haven’t tried this are really missing out,” Croskey said.
Not sure if the dance studio is for you? The Dayton Ballet School South Studio is hosting a free trial day for prospective senior students on Jan. 11 from 2-4 p.m.
“There will be snippets of the different classes that people can try,” Heller said. “A great opportunity for those who haven’t danced in years or ever.”
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