and nationally. Classes first opened at Presbyterian Village North.Newclasseswere then added, and classes for independ- ent living residentswere expanded (by demand of partici- pants!). I spoke for InternationalWomen’sDay, trained teach- ers, and then classes opened at C.C. Young Senior Living. Classes are ongoing. The State of Texas also is interested in incorporatingmy Silver Swans Ballet Programinto the services they offer for approximately 6million senior citizens. I amcur- rentlyworkingwith themto havemy programcertified for inclusion.


NBC ran a several-minute special segment aboutmy Silver Swans Ballet PrograminMetroplex newscasts throughout the day March 20, and promoted it online. Leading teen dance magazineDance Spirit also featuredmy programin its December 2017 issue. Throughout the interveningmonths, as well, interest grewexponentially through socialmedia.My Silver Swans Ballet Programwas being discussed inmore than 35 countries on six continents. That has been one of themost exciting and unexpected consequences of developingmy Program: exposing others to the possibilities ballet holds for bringing joy, aswell as significantmental and physical health benefits, to senior citizens anywhere,withminimal investment andmaterials needed.


TB:What are some of the things you’ve learned fromthis proj- ect?


KJ:One of themost rewarding aspects of developing and implementingmy Silver Swans Ballet Programhas been the tremendous feedback I have received fromsenior participants. Acouple ofwomen in their 80s and 90s soughtme out during one ofmy follow-up senior center visits to tellme howmuch they felt theywere benefiting fromtheir Silver Swans class- es! One enthusiastically asserted that her knees felt stronger


Pictured:Katarina Jakimier


nowafter a fewweeks of classes, and two shared howmuch more confident they feltwalking andmoving around in gener- al.Another 80-year old participant proudly shared howmuch more energetic shewas feeling after several classes, and that her non-dancer lunch group friendswere nowcalling her their “Silver Swan”! In one of the centers, a fewladieswere even (eventually successfully!) advocating for a second class every week. Itwas amazing andwonderful to see seniors falling in lovewith the art I love somuch.


Two particularly rewarding things I learned fromdeveloping and implementingmy Silver Swans Ballet Programare ballet’s trulywide appeal and suitability. I lost track of the number of adultswithwhomI interacted duringmy projectwho volun- teered either that they had alwayswanted to try ballet and had never had the opportunity (andmy projectwas affording them this!), or used to dance and regretted having stopped (andmy projectwas giving thema reason to resume!). I alsowas very excited to see somanymen interested in seniors’ ballet classes. In one of the assisted-living Silver Swans Ballet class, nearly 50 percent of participantsweremen; in another (assisted living class at a different senior center) more than a thirdwere. In addition,more than a couple of participants volunteered they were excited about being able to discusswhat theywere doing in ballet classwith younger generations of familymembers who alsowere taking ballet.


DANCE!NORTHTEXAS


Pictured:Katarina being recognized for her Silver Swans programat C.C. Young a publication of the dance council of north texas


vol. 21 • no. 1 www.thedancecouncil.org February-April 2018


Continued on page 14. page 13


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