Guest Post with Donna Hargreaves - How dancing helps this menopausal woman thrive at 54

Hello,

I am Donna Hargreaves, 54 years young and loving life. I am a wife, mum of 2 wonderful adults.

I entered the menopause very early, 43 years old to be exact.

I addressed this life change with a good dose of exercise, dance being the joyful choice

I started dancing at the age of 4, taking part in all genres of dance, ballet, tap, modern and stage.

I can honestly say my love affair with this beautiful art, started at this very young age, so my relationship with dance, with varying degrees of involvement has continued throughout my life.

At the age of 18, I made the choice to follow a career in Nursing. At only 4ft 11 inches, I was and still am considered too small for the professional dance world.

But in all my years, my involvement with dance has been important, there has never been a point when I fully gave up dance. I have always participated in danced based exercise classes.

Then my daughter began her journey into dance, which brought her great success, and great joy to both of us.

I am a passionate dancer, currently a ballerina with Big Ballet At Zest Dance, @DJBalletUK .

For more information please see: https://www.facebook.com/bigballetuk/

I am also a Tap Dancer, at Victoria Stansfield School of Dance @victoriastansfielddance

It also brought a whole new world of dance opportunities for me. My Tap Classes started, along with the nerve wracking tap exams!!!

Then came the opportunity to audition for and take part in the Channel 4 programme Big Ballet, I am so pleased to say, I was successful, and a wonderful dance journey began for me, at 48 years of age, I was being tutored by Wayne Sleep and Monica Loughman, honestly a dream come true. I am so proud that the programme has been shown all over the world, inspiring others to simply join a dance class, and that dance can truly be for all to enjoy.

When the programme finished, my friend and I did not want this wonderful journey, which had brought amazing opportunities and so much joy, to end, so our little ballet company was born.

My weekly training regime, consists of daily walks of up to 5 miles, I consider this my warm up for the day.

My Tap classes are once a week on a Thursday. Myself and 3 friends, aged 40/59, are currently preparing for the International Dance Teaching Association, T.A.P Grade Tap Exam. It is a challenge, for the brain as well as the body. But one I am happy to rise to, and I honestly love every minute

My ballet classes at Zest Dance are also once a week, we do an Open Class consisting of technique and performance training

If we are preparing for a performance and exams, then extra rehearsals are factored into the weeks training.

Big Ballet At Zest Dance Studios, is a company made up of a diverse group of dancers, aged 5 to 54 years of age. In all the classes, my teachers teach me in the same way they would a much younger dancer, again I rise to the challenge

We are not given an easier ride because of age, we are encouraged to listen to our bodies, and believe we can be the best

I also attend Ballet Retreats locally, @theballetretreat , based @northernballet. These vary from a single day to three days of dance. An absolute joy

Dance brings so many benefits to my life, friends, fitness and fun. #BalletFamily #DanceFamily

In all the classes, my teachers teach me in the same way they would a much younger dancer, again I rise to the challenge

Physically it can be hard, but it’s one I rise to, and I do exercises everyday to improve my stamina and strength.

The best thing about my ballet/tap classes, they are my best friends. A group of ladies/and gentleman, who meet, with a passion to dance, and a common goal to show, that dance classes and the chance to perform are inclusive to all.

My motivation is simple. I strive to be the best dancer I can be, whilst enjoying the journey.

I believe as women, we are at fault of placing obstacles in our way, not giving ourselves time when really it should be a priority.

Regardless of age, and all that this entails, I still dance, and love every step. It’s the best medicine for these changing hormones, I would prescribe it to all !

Donna x