Meet Di - a community dance class participant

Hi Di, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My biggest role in life at the moment is being a grandmother to two beautiful little children, a girl and a boy. I spend a lot of my time with them and caring for them.

How did you hear about Queensland Ballet’s community classes?

My long-term partner passed away, and I was just looking for something to do that didn’t require being outside in the sun. I started Googling and ballet came up. I started in 2018. I'd never danced at all, so it was a challenge. Then, of course, we had to stop coming because of COVID, but we did [Queensland Ballet's] online dance classes, before eventually being allowed to come back to the old Beesley Street studios. Now we are here [in the Thomas Dixon Centre]. It's a beautiful premises and we're so grateful that we get to share this beautiful building and studios with the Queensland Ballet Company.

Which classes are your favorite?

I love the ballet. It's really good for your balance and your core strength. This year, we also started jazz which I really enjoy for the cardio and movement, it gets you moving! I also do Stretch & Tone, which is really important as you get older to stretch all your muscles. And I've just done a yoga class, so I enjoy that. It's relaxation and breathing. I try to cover it all each week. It's all really good here. All under one roof and you have a choice of times and classes. It's perfect.

How does moving your body regularly help your general wellbeing?

It keeps you fit. I enjoy exercise, but it's also good doing it amongst peers. It's a good circle here, we have a lot in common. If I had to go to other classes, I probably wouldn't go if it wasn't a senior's class. 

What advice do you have for someone who is looking to start classes?

Just come and enjoy it. Make it your happy place. I'm always happy here. I'm never hard on myself. Some things you’ll get right away, some things you won’t. But just enjoy it.