Oklahoma City Ballet Offers Classes For Seniors, Anyone With Parkinson's Disease

Staying active is a challenge, especially as we get older. So, the Oklahoma City Ballet now has classes for senior adults as well as anyone dealing with Parkinson’s disease 

The company located at 6800 N. Classen Blvd. has two classes designed especially for those that may think their dancing days are over.

Golden Swans is a program for seniors, of any age, that have an interest in ballet or just want an outlet to keep moving. 

The Dance for Parkinson’s class is specially designed for anyone with a moving disorder.

“They are doing a lot of seated movements; they use a lot of pop music and then they have the option to stand later,” said Stephanie Pitts, community engagement manager for the Oklahoma City Ballet. 

Both classes are free to the public, with a do what you are able to do approach. 

Nancy Brawner is 84 and has been attending the Golden Swan classes since they started four years ago. 

“First of all, it’s fun. And I never had ballet as a child, we didn’t take dancing so, I’ve learned how to move my body differently. It helps with balance, stability, as you get old you need all the help you can get with that,” said Brawner. 

The class is for men as well as women, and along with the great workout, there are friendships formed in the classes. 

“A huge part of it is the community that is formed in those classrooms. So, they are able to find support and friendship and then just the joy of dancing together,” said Pitts. 

The dance for Parkinson’s classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. and the Golden Swans classes are Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-2 p.m.

 All classes are free.