Give Chair Ballet A Whirl for Better Health

Moving towards better health series – Part Two

When I was a little girl, I took ballet classes. I don’t remember much about it except that I liked my pink tights, black leotards, and pink ballet shoes. I remember having a vague idea that at some point I would be switching out my ballet flats for the pretty pointe shoes. It soon became evident that my talents might lie elsewhere, so after a year or two, I stopped attending. Truthfully, I enjoyed ballet – just not the discipline it took to practice. I tried taking classes again when I was a tween-ager.  Those didn’t last too long either. Many, many years later, someone offered what my friends and I light-heartedly referred to as the Old ladies ballet. It was truly a ton of fun. The class only lasted one season, but during that time, we learned a dance and enjoyed performing in front of our family and friends.

Chair Ballet – Great discovery

After retirement, we discovered a lovely Senior Center nearby and began attending. One day, our center joined a recreation center about a mile away. So, twice a week, we would go to the new one. I was delighted to learn that one of the activities was Chair Ballet. It is offered by Culture Blocks and Arts & Science Council, a program funded by Mecklenburg County. Culture Blocks supports cultural experiences that are planned with resident involvement and/or take place at libraries, recreation centers, parks, and relevant community spaces. And yes, even Wayne enjoys it.

One of the things we love about the class is how the teaching artist, Amber Johnson, makes everyone feel welcome. She is very approachable, and clearly knowledgeable in several areas of dance. Her style is encouraging, yet considerate of the limitations older folks may have. While providing challenges with new moves and steps, she reminds us that we should listen to our bodies and not do anything that would cause pain. The routines are fun. Amber offers modification options for each sequence of moves. There is no pressure to compete. We all feel included whether sitting in a chair or standing in the back.

What a great class, I thought. Since I’ve always loved ballet, I decided to see if she would be willing to share some of her thoughts, insights, and experiences to help encourage others to give it a twirl.

I caught up with Amber and she graciously agreed to share her joy of dance. As a bonus, Charlotte Ballet’s Director of Education & Community Engagement, Kimberly Pereira joined our chat as well.

Ballet teaching artist, Amber Johnson

I learned that Amber moved to Charlotte at the age of four – so almost a native. She has always liked dancing – something she came by naturally as her mother was rumored to be a ‘disco queen’.

Amber began ballet at the age of six, although gymnastics soon entered her world and almost drew her heart away from dance. After receiving a gymnastics scholarship as a young teenager, she learned that all good gymnasts have ballet training and was persuaded to pursue ballet. It grew on her and by the time she was 16, ballet had won the competition for her heart. She has never looked back.

Motivated by receiving extra credit in a history class, she volunteered at the YMCA as a gymnastic coach and dance assistant. Not only did she get the extra credit for her class, but she was hired at the Y and spent the next ten years working for them.

Early on, Amber began volunteering in dance studios, coming early, and staying late. It allowed her to see many different styles of ballet and dance being taught. Observing gave her a better understanding of the stages of development for kids of different ages. As a bonus, she had several mentors as various instructors would take her under their wing and give her teaching tips. When it comes to dance, she has taught a little bit of everything including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance as well as choreography.

The first time Amber taught a class for Charlotte Ballet, it was a senior’s-class that needed a substitute. It was perfect timing as she had just completed an intensive workshop conducted by Axis Dance, a company created to include those with and without physical disabilities, whose goal is to “Redefine dance and disability”. It gave her new ways to teach anyone to dance.

During the interview, Kimberly noted that Amber’s through-line, (the connecting theme) in everything she does has always been about community – whether dance or school community in giving back – it’s in her core. Kimberly went on to describe Amber as very approachable and accessible. Always willing to volunteer and help out. She is constantly learning from others – like a sponge, she soaks up everything she can and then gives it all back.

Chair Ballet: Who can dance?

The term, Chair Ballet may cause a hesitation to some, especially men – I assure them that Wayne also attends and enjoys it. When asked if tutus are required, I answer, “Yes, but Wayne has extras, and will be glad to loan you one”. Sometimes that will break the ice enough to allow someone to give it serious consideration. We actually have several men in our classes. Many, both women and men come to their first class with a bit of apprehension and leave with the delightful satisfaction that they enjoyed a good session of stretching and moving to a variety of music styles.

The music Amber plays for each segment of the class is pulled from a variety of streams. Popular music from the 60s include, ‘My Girl’, ‘Papa was a Rolling Stone’, and ‘I Heard it Through the Grapevine’ to name a few, along with a bit of piano ballet music.

Katherine Dunham, a pioneer in the field of dance anthropology

Amber tries to pay homage to the lineage of the music and styles she uses in the class. For example, for the Isolation Exercises she credits Katherine Dunham, who, according to the article, “Katherine Dunham: A Life in Dance”, was born in 1909 in Chicago. She is an American dancer-choreographer who is best known for incorporating African American, Caribbean, African, and South American movement styles and themes into her ballets. So as a bonus, we get to learn a bit of history and the origins of various styles of dance incorporated into our classes.

Let Chair Ballet help move you towards better health

To prepare for the class, come with an open attitude that attending will be beneficial. Wear something stretchy or loose. Shoes should be light so you can move your feet, although there’s always the option to just wear socks.

Success stories abound from those who have regained movement through participating in these classes. Folks share with Amber regularly how family members and others have noticed their renewed ability to walk, or that their balance has improved. Many have also shared that their social circle has increased by taking the classes. Don’t wait, there is a class for you either in person or online no matter what your age or ability.

Kimberly summed it up nicely by stating that “Dance is movement, so everybody is a dancer. It’s about each individual participant finding their own voice.”

Amber agreed, “We hope that everyone will come and give it a try. There are modifications for everything we do – try something different. If you can breathe, you can dance.”

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Give Chair Aerobics A Work-Out for Better Health – Part One

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Has your world been touched by dementia?

My book, “Finishing Well: Finding the Joy in Dementia“, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama.  May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.