A WOMAN from Prestatyn says she has found a new lease of life by taking up ballet for the first time at the age of 61.

Rowena Crabapple, of Pendre Avenue, does online ballet classes with Silver Swans, which are classes especially designed for the over-55s and taught by Royal Academy of Dance-licenced teachers.

She said: “It keeps me super-fit and challenges my brain, and I love the music and costumes.

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“As a child, I dreamed of learning ballet, but I was shy, awkward and I didn’t live near a ballet school.

“Nowadays, people of any age can take up ballet with the development of Silver Swans classes, and doing it online is so convenient. It’s a dream come true.”

Rowena is taught by Johanna Hadley, of the Janet Lomas School of Dancing, who she said, is “absolutely fantastic”.

That her classes are held remotely has also made things easier, she said.

She added: “She (Johanna) looks every inch the ballerina, and she’s so warm, welcoming and bubbly.

“The classes are such fun; there’s a great community, and everyone can join in, whatever their capability or age.

“Because it’s online there’s no travelling involved - we do it in our living rooms or kitchens, and even those with mobility issues can participate whilst sitting on a chair!”

Rowena has also started up her own YouTube channel, called Rowena’s Friends, with videos showing her progress learning to dance ballet.

She added: “Before doing the online Silver Swans classes, I was rather intimidated by modern technology.

"But I found it so easy to join online, and then I became inspired to start doing little videos. It snowballed from there!"