Kibworth & Smeeton WI
Our 2025 programme began on 9 January with Ginnette Brookes’s talk: ‘Dance is for Everyone’.
Ginnette began dancing at the age of two and she remembers classes in a large house in Hull, which had an enormous glass doorknob like a diamond!
For her first ballet class when she was six, she wore a red jumper knitted by her mum. She was so small that she was told that she could hold on to the piano! She fell in love with ballet, but wanted most of all to teach it.
Ginnette’s initial training was in Aberystwyth, studying ballet, tap and modern dance, before going on to the London Academy of Dance and Drama to work for her professional qualifications. She taught in Leicester until the Covid lockdowns. Later, when people were able and keen to get together again, Ginnette set up her own business, GB Dance, in 2021.
Ginnette explained briefly how ballet began as a formal dance performed at grand celebrations and events in the Italian Renaissance courts. The shoes at that time had small heels which were gradually lowered to become the shoes we are familiar with.
Ballet developed into the beautiful, disciplined art form so well loved today when it flourished in France and Russia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. France saw the rise of the ballerina as a central figure, with the introduction of pointe work, which adds an ethereal beauty to female dancing.
Russian ballet is known for its strong techniques and storytelling. Ballet music adds to the storytelling and ballet has its own language – French.
Nowadays, the Royal Academy seeks to make ballet more accessible to all. Ginnette teaches a variety of dance classes in Leicestershire, but for us, she concentrated on explaining Silver Swans classes, which are registered by The Royal Academy, and for which she did a special course.
These classes encourage over 50s to try something new to boost their energy levels and to improve balance, posture, coordination and strength. Silver Swans classes are like normal ballet classes, but with some adaptations to suit the age group, such as no pirouettes or leaping! The social aspects and mental health benefits gained are as important as the dancing.
Ginnette had our members trying some simple moves such as ‘plie’ – feet together at the heels, toes pointing out to the sides, gently bending the knees, with graceful arms held out in front, fingertips touching at the centre.
Finally, we were shown an exquisite tutu and Ginnette explained the structure of pointe shoes, those worn by professionals costing at least £80! Some performers can wear out two pairs during one ballet! They have interesting ways of softening the shoes, such as smacking them hard against a hard surface!
The Royal Academy invited Ginnette to take her Narborough group to London to perform at a Silver Swans Celebration Day at the Royal Academy, which she described as a joyous occasion and an honour.
This was a fascinating and very enjoyable evening and we are looking forward to many more.
On February 13, we have Valencia – A Surprising City – while the subject on Thurday 13 March is Memory, Are You Worried about it? – at 7.30pm, KCH.
Pat Sharman
Rotary School Band concert March 2025
