Why ballet?
Ballet is so much more than precision and pretty steps -it’s a wonderful way to move, strengthen your body and connect with music. It builds posture, balance, flexibility, coordination and confidence, while giving you the chance to learn a beautiful and expressive art form.
And the best thing about ballet? It’s for everyone. Whether you danced as a child, always dreamed of trying it, or are simply looking for a new way to move, it’s never too late to start. There’s no one “ballet body” -every dancer brings something unique, and everyone can enjoy the joy, challenge and creativity of ballet.
Come as you are, learn at your own pace, and discover what your body can do.
Rebel Ballet
This class is a REBELLION against the traditional ballet dancer archetype! No age, gender or body shape criteria. No more seeking perfection: it doesn’t exist! No more forcing the movement to fit your body. We make the movement fit us. And no need to wear tights!
This is an upbeat, energetic general-level adult ballet class set to pop music - because we can! Absolute beginners and advanced dancers are all welcome.
Had a long gap in dancing? Don’t be shy and book yourself on!
Mondays, 6:30pm
Newbury Baptist Church, Newbury, RG14 5DD
Tuesdays, 6:30pm
River Academy, Reading, RG1 8EQ
NOTE: If you cannot see the class you would like to trial, it means it's currently full.
If you would like to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
When and where
Silver Swans!
Silver Swans!
Advanced Ballet
Designed for experienced dancers with a strong technical foundation, this 90-minute class follows the traditional structure of a classical ballet lesson.
From barre to centre, adage to allegro, you'll refine your technique, build strength and artistry, and enjoy the challenge of a full-length class. Perfect for dancers returning to ballet, maintaining their training or simply looking to keep progressing in a friendly and supportive environment.
Thursdays, 6:30pm
Newbury Baptist Church, Newbury, RG14 5DD
NOTE: If you cannot see the class you would like to trial, it means it's currently full.
If you would like to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
RAD Grade 4
Fancy a new challenge? This class is for adult dancers who are ready to build on their ballet skills and work towards the RAD Grade 4 exam in a relaxed, supportive and enjoyable atmosphere.
Whether you've already completed a lower RAD grade or have equivalent experience, this class offers the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, achieve a personal goal and enjoy dancing with a fantastic group of fellow adults.
Love syllabi but hate the thought of exams? Feel free to attend with exam zero pressure.
Mondays, 7:30pm
Newbury Baptist Church, Newbury, RG14 5DD
NOTE: If you cannot see the class you would like to trial, it means it's currently full.
If you would like to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
Power & Pointe
A class designed to build strength, control and confidence for dancers at every stage. Combining classical pointe exercises, pre-pointe strengthening, and full-body conditioning, this session supports dancers preparing for pointe, those already dancing en pointe, and anyone looking to improve lower-body strength, stability and technique.
You don’t need to have the goal of going en pointe to join. This class is a great way to develop stronger feet, ankles and legs while enhancing your overall dancing.
Please note, pointe work is introduced only when your teacher feels you as an individual are ready. Their guidance and assessment are an important part of safe progression and should always be respected.
Thursdays, 8pm
Newbury Baptist Church, Newbury, RG14 5DD
NOTE: If you cannot see the class you would like to trial, it means it's currently full.
If you would like to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
Silver Swans
Silver Swans with Sonia Brown are fun and friendly ballet classes aimed at over 50s. We follow a traditional ballet class structure comprising of barre work, centre practise and repertoire (a dance).
It's a gentle and relaxed class, making it a great place to socialise whilst improving your mobility, posture, and coordination.
The class is designed to move at a slower pace with adaptions made depending on our students' capabilities, making it ideal for all levels of experience, ages and physical abilities.
Mondays, 10am
St Nicolas Church, Earley, RG6 7JN
Tuesdays, 9:35am
Newbury Rugby Football Club, Newbury, RG14 7RW
Tuesdays, 12pm
Cotswold Sports Centre, Tilehurst, RG31 6SL
Wednesdays, 1pm
Dance Reality Studios, Tilehurst (Dee Road), RG30 4EA
Thursdays, 1pm
Earley St Peter's Church Hall, Earley, RG6 1EY
Fridays, 10am
Thatcham Parish Hall, Thatcham, RG18 4JP
NOTE: If you cannot see the class you would like to trial, it means it's currently full.
If you would like to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
What our dancers have been saying
"I think your teaching style and approach are fantastic. We are all smiling within the first couple of minutes of class. I have been struck by how friendly everyone has been to me and I love the way you differentiate to cater for varying confidence and ability levels. I am also in awe of my class mates who dance so beautifully and are role models for older women everywhere. Dance with Sonia Brown is a highlight of the week!"
"I love Silver Swans, in my head I am a prima ballerina! Although reality is somewhat different! Having never danced before I have found it a joy and really look forward to the session, my balance is much better and I swear muscle tone improved. Best thing ever."
"Sonia is delightful and a great teacher. The physio and I have been working to strengthen muscles around my hip for months. In the 5 weeks I've been a Silver Swan, the improvement has been amazing! I leave every class walking taller and smiling... smiling for the rest of the day as the class is such fun and so uplifting"
Frequently asked questions
Booking and payment
Our classes run in termly blocks of 5-6 weeks, and enrolled students are invoiced in full before the start of term at £9.00 per class (one hour). E.g. £45 or £54.
For new attendees, we offer one Pay-As-You-Go trial class at £9 booked directly using the links above. Trial bookings are available during our first 3 weeks of term. If you then choose to join us you will receive an invoice for the remaining weeks of the term.
Enrolled students will be emailed an invoice 3 weeks before the next term commences, and are then given two weeks in which to pay or give notice before the deadline on their invoice is reached. To see our term dates, click here.
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for missed classes or trials, nor carry paid classes over to other terms. Enrolled students are however, welcome to catch up classes elsewhere on our timetable, as long as this is done within the same term and within reason.
We strongly advise for you to read our terms and conditions before booking.
- What do I need to bring? Please bring a bottle of water. - What should I wear? There’s no need for you to invest in a leotard and tights when attending Silver Swans (unless you want to!) Just come in clothes you can move comfortably in such as leggings or tracksuit bottoms. For your first class; bare feet or socks are fine so that you are able to feel the floor and work through the feet. I would recommend, however, if you do sign up for Silver Swans With Sonia Brown, to visit our fantastic local dancewear shop, Dancia International, where they will fit the shoes correctly for you. There are some dodgy shoes on the internet, and ballet shoe sizing varies dramatically so having them professionally fitted in person will save you time and money. Dancia International's details can be found below. Sonia's recommendation would be a leather or canvas split-sole ballet shoe (snug-fitting), but cheaper alternatives are available if preferred. Dancia Reading, 36-38 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JL Tel. 0118 9478123 - Why can’t I attend as a pay-as-you-go customer? To truly benefit from attending any dance class, regular attendance is key. This gives your mind and body a real chance at retaining all the goodness you’ve gained from the lesson. We have many students who attend multiple times a week or take advantage of our home practise videos as just one week can feel like a long time! Alongside this, as we move through the term we develop our exercises and extend our dances. Drop-in students, particularly further into the term, hinder the whole community's progress, as well as making the session much more overwhelming for the infrequent visitor. Seeing you regularly means more fun for everyone! - I’m an absolute beginner. Is there anything to help me outside of the class? Well, yes there is! Once you’ve attended your trial, you’ll be sent information on how to access our ‘members area’. There you’ll find a link to our online folder where I regularly upload the current dance choreography, alongside some videos of the absolute basics. Don’t panic if you can’t remember the names of the steps! They sink in over time! - How do I join the community WhatsApp groups? Once you’ve attended your trial, you’ll be sent information on how to access our ‘members area’. Here you’ll find a link to join the Silver Swans/Low-Impact Tap WhatsApp group. Just click on that and it should let you in! Advanced Tappers have separate group chats so just speak Sonia to be added. - Sonia has different shoes. Where are they from? For ballet, Sonia wears Capezio Pedini Femme teaching sandals which have a low cuban heel. Students are welcome to wear the same if they need a little more support. They’re particularly helpful for back pain sufferers, if you’re flat footed, if you lock your knees a lot, or find you need to lift your heels in a plié. For tap, Sonia’s blue and white shoes are Miller and Ben ‘Jazz Tap Masters’, custom-made from America. If you’re interested in a snazzy, brogue style tap shoe without breaking the bank, a great pair to start with would be Bloch’s 'Chloe and Mauds'. The ball (front) tap is weighty though, so perhaps not suitable for absolute beginners.