Ballet Revives Love for Dancing at Southbury Senior Living Community

Once a month, the sound of slow classical ballet music fills the air inside Pomperaug Woods. Inside a large room, a group of residents can be found performing ballet positions along with the soft melodies. It’s not what you expect to see inside a senior living community.

Resident Debbie Cornwell has been taking the standing ballet class since it launched nearly two years ago. Debbie, who’s now in her 70s, says the class takes her back to her youth, and life as a competitive dancer. She says the class is the best exercise for her body and mind, and one of the many reasons she chose this LifeCare community based in Southbury.

The health center administrator, Cassie Haley, started the standing and sitting ballet classes after seeing the benefits of the total mind and body exercise. Studies show clear mental and physical health benefits of playing music and dancing for seniors, including those suffering from dementia.

Cassie, a classically trained ballet dancer, shares her love for dance with all residents with the standing and sitting ballet classes, aimed at all fitness levels.