Silver Swans is a ballet class specifically designed for over 55s. These classes will help improve mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. Most importantly, they are fun, enjoyable, and bring about a sense of wellbeing. Emma Mahony was the first Silver Swans licensed teacher in Ireland; her classes in Dublin have gained huge success since she began teaching Silver Swans ballet in 2017.
Silver Swans ballet was designed by the Royal Academy of Dance and is suitable for both beginners and experienced dancers. There are no age or physical restrictions to join a Silver Swans ballet class. It is a safe learning environment where all abilities and people are welcome. It is never too late to become a ballerina!
There are five options to learn Silver Swans ballet with Emma.
Option A: Saturday morning classes in Baldoyle on a 6-week term basis.
Option B: NEWFriday morning BEGINNERS class in Bayside on a 6-week term basis
Option C: Wednesday midday classes in Dublin city centre on a drop-in basis (bookings to be made through Dance Ireland)
Option D: One-off workshops on Sundays spaced throughout the year. The next workshop will be in Winter 2025.
Option E: Friday morning classes in Kilbarrack working towards taking a Royal Academy of Dance exam (7-week term)
Please find further information about each option below...
Please email: theodetteschoolofballet@gmail.com
OPTION A
6-week terms of Silver Swans ballet in Baldoyle 2025/26:
Classes held on Saturdays in the Baldoyle Community Hall, Main Street, Baldoyle, Dublin 13.
10am class for experienced dancers and 11am class for beginners.
- Term one: 20th of September to 25th of October
- Term two: 8th of November to 13th of December
- Term three: 10th of January to 14th of February
- Term four: 21st of February to 28th of March
- Term five: 18th of April to 30th of May
OPTION B
6-week terms of Silver Swans ballet in Bayside 2025/26
Classes held on Fridays in the Bayside Community Centre, Bayside Square, Dublin 13.
11.45am-12.45pm for beginners.
- Term one: 19th of September to 24th of October
- Term two: 7th of November to 12th of December
OPTION C
Drop-in classes with Dance Ireland.
- Silver Swans class at 12.15pm on Wednesdays in Dance House, Dublin 1
- Silver Swans class at 1.30pm on Wednesdays in Dance House, Dublin 1
All information and bookings for these classes should be made directly with Dance Ireland.
OPTION D
Once-off Silver Swans workshops
- Emma teaches a few once-off Silver Swans workshops throughout the year.
- The next workshop will take place in Winter 2025
- There will be a beginners Silver Swans workshop and a separate advanced Silver Swans workshop.
OPTION E
Silver Swans Exam Class (7-week term)
Emma has introduced a new Silver Swans class working toward students entering a Royal Academy of Dance ballet exam. This class will run throughout the year and students must be able to commit to all terms leading up to the exam.
Classes held on Fridays from 10.15-11.15am in Star Studios in Kilbarrack, Dublin 5.
- Term one: 28th of February to 11th of April
- Term two: 2nd of May to 13th of June
- Term three: 12th of September to 24 of October
- Term four: 7th of November to 21st of November (3 weeks, will include a mock exam). Exam will be between 24-28th of November.
What to wear -
Please wear anything that you are comfortable in and that allows you to move freely. Some dancers wear leggings and a top, and others wear a ballet leotard and skirt - it is completely up to you what feels best! As long as you feel happy and confident and the clothing does not impinge on your ability to move then it will be perfect.
Proper ballet shoes are recommended to encourage the correct use of the foot. A full-sole leather ballet shoe is a good option for a beginner, but it is best to go into a dance shop and try them to see what feels best for you. 'Dance World' and 'Dance Emporium' are two excellent dance shops in Dublin.
Emma's Silver Swans classes have been featured extensively in the media with articles about her classes in Image magazine, Dublin Live, The Irish Times and the Dublin Gazette. She has also appeared on Ireland AM, Virgin Media 1, with her Silver Swans students. Her Silver Swans classes have been mentioned on the Marian Finucane Show on RTE Radio 1, with Marty Whelan on Lyric FM and with Jennifer Zamparelli on 2FM.
