Seniors discover poise and confidence through ballet

陈小将

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.