Rapt attention as Wendy Crellin leads the seniors’ corps be ballet. Photos: Catherine Watson By Liane Arno
WHEN I first met my husband Matt (or should I say a little bit after I met him for decency sake!) I used to laugh that when he took his knickers off he would pick them up by his toes, fling them into the air well over his head and catch them on the way down as they sailed past his shoulders. I told him that I would know he was an old man when he couldn’t do that any more. Without giving too much away I noticed that he did this less and less – but lately there has been a resurgence. And why? Because Matt has joined Wendy Crellin’s ballet barre classes at the Rescue Station.
WHEN I first met my husband Matt (or should I say a little bit after I met him for decency sake!) I used to laugh that when he took his knickers off he would pick them up by his toes, fling them into the air well over his head and catch them on the way down as they sailed past his shoulders. I told him that I would know he was an old man when he couldn’t do that any more. Without giving too much away I noticed that he did this less and less – but lately there has been a resurgence. And why? Because Matt has joined Wendy Crellin’s ballet barre classes at the Rescue Station.
We were both starting to feel a bit creaky and I happened to bump into this wonderful and inspirational woman. Wendy, a trained dancer who studied under Czech-born ballet dancers Edouard and Madam Borovansky in Melbourne, suggested we come along to loosen up and use our brains as well as our bodies in the most exquisite form of dance. Showing not a scintilla of her 80 years, she takes a group of 12 ‘seniors’ of all shapes and sizes (and sexes) through their paces each week.
Not a tutu or mirror in sight at the Rescue Station Arts Centre
I am still amazed that she managed to convince me that it was a good idea given that I am someone who shuns mirrors (and even reflective glass if it comes to that) and I imagined myself as Hyacinth Hippopotamus in a tutu in Disney’s Fantasia. Having never danced (other than a few twirls with Matt on the occasional family wedding dance floor after a few elixirs) I could see myself thudding around with no grace whatsoever. I compared myself with the willowy swans that I had seen perform ballet and thought there was no way I could do it.
When I told Matt that it was actually ballet and not just a bit of stretching that we were going to – well you can imagine his response. But never one not to give something a go, he came along – “Just once – just to see what it’s like!” We are now both hooked. We have both bought ballet shoes and Matt has just swapped his trackie daks for a pair of leggings in which he looks very fine indeed! No wonder I married him!
When I told Matt that it was actually ballet and not just a bit of stretching that we were going to – well you can imagine his response. But never one not to give something a go, he came along – “Just once – just to see what it’s like!” We are now both hooked. We have both bought ballet shoes and Matt has just swapped his trackie daks for a pair of leggings in which he looks very fine indeed! No wonder I married him!
| Wendy cajoles him every now and then. “Now Matt – I know you used to play football – but you don’t have to kick quite so high!” With me – she admires my instep. Not sure that anyone has ever admired that part of my body before. And with triple E size feet I have plenty of area to make standing on tip toes a breeze. Wendy tells us that each morning she starts her day with barre exercises in order to keep her body supple and fit. After all, it is proven that ballet dancers are the fittest of all athletes. She considers that there are a couple of forms of exercise – one the meditative with slow, quiet movements which is good for the thought processes – and sweaty gyms full of grunting and perspiration at the other end of the scale. Ballet to her is the balance – and particularly important as we get older for steadiness and concentration and memory. Wendy allows us to go at our own pace and to go as far as we want (so long as we don’t injure ourselves). Each week we are encouraged (if we want to) to go a little bit higher, or a little bit faster. She is so encouraging – praising us constantly – but it is us that should be praising her. But you can see the pleasure that it gives her to see us improve. Exercises are put to music making the experience even better. And there’s not a mirror in sight (thank goodness!) Wendy tells us that she has seen us emerge from a disconnected set of individuals to one where we are now a unit moving together, aware of each other and admiring of its other’s achievements. And what have I achieved in the lessons? Well we started with knickers – and back to knickers we go. Of recent times I had started to put mine on with feet firmly planted on the ground and then putting them slowly over my feet and up my legs. Today I can lift my feet up to my knees and put those knickers on mid-air with not a hint of loss of balance. Can you do that? Wendy is so pleased with the progress of our group which is now full to the gunnels. So many people have heard of the class that she has been persuaded to put on another class. Wendy generously gives her time – there are no fees charged, as classes fall under the Rescue Station’s Open Access Program. Spaces are limited to 10-12 ‘seniors’. To book a place, or for more information, contact Wendy on 0408 721 949 or at [email protected] or find information on Rescue Station Arts Facebook page. | Felicia Di Stefano is in the zone.  Liane Arno shows her instep.   |
Rescue Station Arts is off West Area Road, on the Wonthaggi town side of Donmix. Follow the road past the Number Five Mine Brace.