BALLET AT WEINBERG VILLAGE Owings Mills, MD
From 2014-2024, a Ballet Mobile-sponsored program, proving the noticeable physical, psychological, and mental benefits of Ballet for Seniors!
AND it was FUN!
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"...I received a flyer announcing a class was starting that would improve cognitive memory through exercise...The program involved learning ballet moves...I'm trying to visualize a 6 foot tall gray haired, balding behemoth trying to do delicate ballet moves. That sight was just too funny (or scary) to contemplate. I thought, well I'm here, might as well give it a try...
"Each week...the lessons got a little more intense and, as Renée would say, we were increasing our "cognitive load"..."With a few breaks to hydrate I was getting a 45 minute workout and actually breaking a sweat, not my bones.
"As the weeks went by I felt less rigid and more graceful (I use the word loosely)... My cognitive memory seemed to improve, as far as ballet was concerned. I still couldn't remember why I went from the living room to the refrigerator but ballet was getting to be a fun workout.
"The weeks went by quickly...Renée handed out 'report cards' showing how we improved. I was quite impressed with my progress. I even began to get compliments. 'You look so light on your feet.' 'You are so graceful.' I'm thinking, 'You folks need your eyes checked quickly.'
"I can tell you that my balance has improved, my memory, as it relates to the ballet, has improved, and I am getting exercise. It is a workout and I am having fun..." Les Poris, Weinberg Dancer, 2014-2024
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For 10+ years, Ballet Mobile's Renee Meyer taught Weinberg residents in Owings Mills, MD weekly Memory-through-Movement classes based on Ballet exercises and combinations. Mrs. Gayle Newman, Activities Director at Weinberg Village of Owings Mills, included the program as part of her residents' regular activities and classes.
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For 10+ years they proved that seniors - graceful and wise - benefit physically, cognitively, and emotionally from dance classes. They proved that Ballet improves seniors' memory, balance, mood, coordination, concentration, agility, and patience.
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The curriculum and classes were specifically designed for them and taught through Ballet Mobile by Renee, with help from Ballet Mobile Directors Robert and Pat, and with occasional appearances by Ballerina Susan and Ballet Mobile to demonstrate the relevance of their senior classes to the art of professional ballet.
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Boosting Confidence, Memory, and Well-Being
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Improving Posture, Balance, Flexibility, and Coordination
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Helping Reaction Time, Spatial Orientation, and Peripheral Vision
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Reducing the Danger of Falling
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Developing Mindfulness through Meditation and Visual Imagery
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"Even when I don't feel good, I know I'll hear the music, dance with friends, and things will be better after class."
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"This class is pure joy."
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"I look forward to this all week long and listen to my music in between."
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"When I listen to music now, I visualize myself floating on air."
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"I am very happy to be here."
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"I love how I feel after class."
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"This class helps me feel better about myself."
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"This class makes me aware of myself."
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"This class is one of the best things I do."
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"I feel better because of this class."
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"This is really important in our lives."
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"The most important thing we do in this class is to learn to use the strength and balance we forget we have."
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"I feel I have better control of my body."
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"I avoided at least two falls thanks to this."
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"The exercises we do
come up in daily living"
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"I love flowing with the music."
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"This has become part
of my life."
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"After this class I am upbeat...I love this class."
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"This class makes me feel young."
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"I can't believe I'm doing all this. It gives me confidence."
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BALLET at WEINBERG for 10 years!!
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"I am feeling more and more confident about my balance and my posture."
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"I always feel better after class."
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"If there is such a word as
'un-graceful' - that is what I felt on my first day of class.
Now - I don't feel that way!
For 99 -- that 'ain't' bad!"
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"I feel buoyant and beautiful."
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"This class is needed for all seniors to do something for their bodies."
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"I set goals for myself in this class. I dream of dancing."
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"These classes are very important for me to maintain my physical integrity."
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"How grateful I am for this class and the camaraderie and fun we all have."
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"I am so proud that I am able to do this."
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"I enjoy getting together
and dreaming of dancing."
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We honor our most beloved Weinberg Dancers who have left us.
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Dancer Dora, the epitome of serenity and kindness. Brave and beautiful.
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Dancer Teel Byrne, beloved friend, author, cook, mentor, our True Sweetheart, and the best Cookie Maker on the planet
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Teel's Ballerina Pig, made by Renee in honor of one of Teel's children's books
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Dancer Sylvia, brilliant artist, kind helper, and friend to us all
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Dancer Natalie, graceful spirit and stalwart friend
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Dancer Eudice, wise friend, courageous heart, and comforting advisor to us all
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Dancer Rosalie, bravest of souls, taught us all never to give up
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Dancer Ruth lived every moment of every day with endless joy
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Sanford (San) Friedman,
dances now with his beloved Sondra (Sandi) in Heaven.
Music, Love, Lots of Cake.
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Dancer Nate left us during Hanukah, 2020, to dance in the Light.
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Mildred (right) loved dance, musical theater, and music.
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Dora (above in front) adored music and taught us all about Friendship. Look at her 5th position below!
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"I was hurting so much, but I came anyway ... and now there's no pain and I feel like a different person."
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"The meditations have helped me so much."
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"I am so happy to have this in my life."
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"I need this in my life."
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"I feel this class helps keep my Parkinson's under control."
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"I stop worrying about everything and just let myself get lost in the music."
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"I am so grateful for the meditations that give me such personal happiness."
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"I adore dancing to this beautiful music."
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"I forget all my aches and pains."
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"I always feel better after this class."
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"We are reminded that we can have fun at any age."
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"This class pushes me to the max, given my age and physical condition. It gives me confidence."
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"This class is essential for me."
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"What I do in this class helps me to gracefully move my body."
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"This class is the highlight of my week."
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"What I do in this class helps me let the best of me out."
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"I think this class is better than medicine."
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"When I leave here I have energy."
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"This is a very helpful class for
mind, body, and soul."
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"This class helps me take care of myself."
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BRAVO to our Weinberg Dancers, who performed
a Lecture-Demonstration at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills
Jewish Community Center's Performa on
Sunday, February 12, 2017!
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BALLET?
Excerpts from an Essay by Weinberg Dancer Les Poris, Spring, 2015
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