100yo ballerina reconnects with her passion after 80 years

80 years after hanging up her ballet slippers, 100-year-old Maureen is back at the barre - this time from the chair - rediscovering her lifelong love of dance at Bolton Clarke’s Smithfield aged care home.

The centenarian, who once performed in classic productions including Swan Lake and Les Sylphides, has recently taken up seated ballet classes, reigniting a passion that began at just six years old.

“When I went back to England with my grandparents, I started dancing in front of the family and around the house,” Maureen said.

“I think they always knew I was meant to be a dancer.

“I started dancing properly when we moved back to Australia and I joined the Les Ballets Contemperains.”

For 15 years Maureen continued dancing until she got married in 1941. Now, after an 80-year hiatus, she says seated ballet transports her back.

“The seated ballet with Sarah is wonderful, she teaches me some different styles to what I have done myself so it’s almost like learning it again.

“It really takes me back discussing the history of ballet during our classes.

“Performing on the stage was always exciting to me and now it feels wonderful to enjoy the graceful expressions and the beautiful music.”

The classes have also sparked new experiences, including a recent group outing for residents to catch a glimpse of the original costumes from Les Ballet at the Festival Theatre. 

“It was wonderful to see the costumes on display from Iberia, one of the performances I was in!”

Now, having celebrated her 100^th birthday in May, Maureen reflects on a life rich in both family and the arts.

“My biggest achievements in life are my three children and dancing,” she said.