Virtual coffee, chat and support
Silver Swan Sanctuary: A Lifeline for Dance Teachers, a Hub of Friendship and a Treasure Trove of Knowledge
In the quiet yet powerful wave of change brought by COVID-19, connection was a lifeline that few of us realized we’d soon depend on more than ever. For Silver Swan Licensees, primarily dance instructors trained to teach older adults through the Royal Academy of Dance’s unique program, this need was especially profound. Isolation was new, unfamiliar and for many, a bit daunting. In response to these challenging times, a small but mighty (RAD approved) online group emerged created by Samantha Jennings and Maureen Causeman: The Silver Swan Sanctuary, a connection point that started as a well-being chat for those teaching in isolation.
A Connection Point During COVID-19
The Silver Swan Sanctuary began as a chat group for Licensees feeling the impact of lockdowns and social distancing. These dance instructors, many of whom were navigating the complexities of online teaching or temporary closure of studios, found a place to share struggles, offer support and simply connect. For many Licensees, the group became not just a chat window but a genuine source of strength, support and community—a sanctuary.
Why a Digital Connection Group Matters
The benefits of an online connection group like this one are enormous. For dance teachers who found themselves cut off from their students and studios, the Silver Swan Sanctuary provided:
- A Lifeline of Social Interaction: Social connection is a vital part of mental wellbeing, especially for teachers who are used to a highly interactive role. The Sanctuary bridged the gap during isolation, providing a steady rhythm of friendly faces and empathetic voices.
- A Resource Hub: The group quickly became a place to exchange teaching tips, lesson plans and creative ideas. Members shared resources and discussed how to make classes engaging, helping to keep the art of dance alive even in unprecedented times.
- A Constant in Times of Change: With frequent updates on RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) news and events, members could stay up-to-date with the latest in their profession, despite the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Why Silver Swan Licensees Found It Invaluable
The RADestablished the Silver Swan scheme to create accessible ballet classes for older adults, tailored for dancers who may not have laced up ballet shoes in decades—or ever at all. This unique teaching style emphasizes technique in a gentler, more flexible format, appealing especially to women in mature years. Ironically, many Licensees fall into this demographic, bringing not only their passion for dance but a personal understanding of the joys and challenges of teaching ballet at this stage of life.
For these mature instructors, the Silver Swan Sanctuary became a space to:
- Exchange Wisdom: With years of teaching under their belts, mature teachers found in the group an avenue to pass on their experience, share challenges, and celebrate small victories.
- Foster Social Connection: Social circles often shrink as life moves on, but in the Sanctuary, age was no barrier to making new friends. This community celebrated birthdays, shared in each other’s lives, and became more than just colleagues—they became a chosen family.
- Offer Emotional Support: Teaching ballet at any age is rewarding but demanding and many teachers faced unique hurdles in moving classes online or teaching in a physically distant format. The Sanctuary provided a place to express frustrations, share laughs, and offer each other reassurance in tough times.
The Group Nearly Has Its “Swan Song”—But Resilience Prevails!
After a successful run since 2021, the Sanctuary nearly had its final swan song in October 2024. However, thanks to a groundswell of positive feedback and the unwavering support of four determined members, the group has carried on stronger than ever!
Looking Ahead
Now, with a new structure in place and a vision for the future, the Silver Swan Sanctuary is set to become more than just a chat group. Its continued evolution will allow it to reach new members. In a world where connection has become more meaningful, the Silver Swan Sanctuary is a beautiful example of resilience, passion and community. For Silver Swan Licensees, it’s more than just a group—it’s a lifeline, a community and a true sanctuary. And as it turns the page to its next chapter, the Silver Swan Sanctuary remains dedicated to its purpose: a place of warmth, knowledge-sharing, and, most importantly, friendship in dance.
If you wish to join our voluntary group , please send an email to our database and we will connect you to our meetings which are currently held about 4 times a year. Do you want to be part of The Silver Swan Community Group, enjoy a whatsapp group, meet with fellow Licensees quarterly? Please send Maureen Causeman an email to maureen.causer@gmail.com
