Seniors discover poise and confidence through ballet

In a brightly lit dance studio in Changchun, Jilin province, a group of women wearing leotards and ballet dresses hold their positions and move gracefully across the floor. This is no ordinary ballet class — it's the rehearsal space of Ballet Grandmas, a senior ballet troupe at Jilin Province Community Senior Citizen University. Elegance and determination displayed by members of the troupe prove that it's never too late to pursue a dream.

For many members aged 40 to over 70, ballet is more than a hobby — it's a youth dream revived.

"When I was young, I was fascinated by Chinese ballet performances like The Red Detachment of Women and The White Haired Girl," said 70-year-old Kong Xiaoli, one of the troupe's first members. "But life got in the way. Retirement gave me the time to do what I've always loved."

Many joined the troupe with no dance experience, yet it didn't stop them. "I hadn't learned ballet dance before," said Zhang Meizhu who is in her 70s and has osteoporosis. Her family initially opposed her joining the troupe, fearing she might injure herself. But she refused to give up.

"Now, they can see how much healthier and happier I am. I've never felt so alive," she said.

Another member, Zhang Weihua, 56, overcame her family's skepticism through sheer persistence. When they saw how confident and radiant she became, they started to support her chasing her dancing dream in retirement.

The troupe's journey never lacked challenges. Ballet requires discipline, flexibility and balance — skills that don't come easily later in life.

"Standing en pointe is hard for anyone," said Kong. "But we've learned to embrace the process to perform with flexibility and strength."

Their perseverance and practice paid off.

In October last year, the troupe traveled to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region for a cultural exchange performance, bringing home six awards.

Behind the success of the troupe is their teacher, Li Yanfei, a certified ballet instructor.

"Other cities, like Shenyang (in Liaoning province), Harbin (in Heilongjiang province), Wuhan (in Hubei province) and Beijing have senior ballet troupes, so why shouldn't Jilin have one too?" she said. With a vision to bring ballet to seniors in her hometown, she started senior ballet courses to teach basic skills, which subsequently developed into today's ballet troupe for the elderly.

Her initiative quickly attracted followers.

"During my first public class, more than 60 people showed up. The room was so packed that we couldn't even fit everyone," Li said. To accommodate demand, she split the group into smaller classes, each with about 20 students. Over time, some of these beginners became founding members of Ballet Grandmas.

Li designed classes tailored to seniors, focusing on gentle movements that improve posture, strengthen muscles and relieve joint pain.

"It was incredible to see them evolve," she said. "From learning to hold the barre for balance to finally performing en pointe gracefully, their dedication has been inspiring."

Beyond teaching techniques, Li used ballet to instill a sense of pride and self-worth in her students. Ballet isn't just about movement — it's about feeling beautiful and strong. It's a safe and scientific art that people at any period of their lives can learn, she said.

"Every time I dance, I feel like I've turned back the clock," said Kong. "Ballet has taught me that beauty and strength never age."

Ballet has brought more than personal transformation. It has fostered a sense of community and belonging among the women. During rehearsals, they support each other, sharing laughter and encouragement, striving for the upcoming performances.

Members of the troupe have not only learned to dance — they're proving that life, like ballet, can be full of elegance and possibilities, no matter when you start, Li said.

There is always a chance to step into the spotlight and shine, she said.

Guo Yanqi contributed to this story.

liumingtai@chinadaily.com.cn