Singapore, like other affluent Asian societies such as Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong, is grappling with an ageing population because of falling birth rates and longer life spans. By 2030, 20 per cent of Singaporeans are forecast to be 65 years or older, according to official statistics. The government has been encouraging senior citizens to lead healthy lifestyles, and elderly Singaporeans are taking it upon themselves to explore various forms of exercise including dance.
However, learning ballet is not easy for mature women, some of whom have to struggle with medical conditions, injuries -- and fear of failure. Jacqueline Chow, 53, who has studied ballet at a community centre since 2008, finds it hard to execute some ballet steps because of her spinal, knee and foot problems. To help her out, her ballet teacher alters the exercises and after three years of ballet, Chow says her back is stronger and her body more flexible.
Yu Shuhuai, 55, a China-born dance instructor who has been teaching ballet at several government-funded community centres in Singapore for eight years, enjoys working with mature women because of their attitude. In 2003, a group of elderly women approached him and asked if he could help them fulfil their dream of learning ballet.
“Ballet, unlike other dances, exudes grace. It helps their bodies become more youthful,” Shuhuai said. “Other than giving them an opportunity to make friends, it prevents and postpones their illnesses, and helps them stay happy and confident too.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2nd, 2011.
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