Meet the 92-year-old ballet student – South London News

A 92-year-old has spoken of the benefits of lifelong learning as she celebrates her 27th consecutive year studying ballet at a south London college.

Sheila Wedgwood, first attended dance classes at Morley College in Westminster Bridge Road, Waterloo, in 1997 when she retired from her lifelong career as a professor.

Every week, dedicated student attend Regenerate Ballet – a demanding ninety-minute ballet class.

Last week, celebrating the last hour of the summer term, Mrs Wedgwood explained how much Morley’s weekly ballet class meant to her.

She said: “Ballet is my life’s passion.

“Participating in the class, I feel free, especially when we jump. I feel free, free like a bird.”

Mrs Wedgwood’s ballet teacher, Liora Goldwater, has taught Mrs Wedgwood’s ballet at Morley since 2011.

Mrs Godlwater said: “Sheila is amazing to be dancing at 92. He loves dancing like nothing else, he just really likes to do it.

“She always wanted to dance but didn’t get the chance when she was younger. She’s probably been doing ballet as long as I have!”

Ms. Wedgwood said she especially appreciated Ms. Goldwater’s support and guidance.

She said: “Leora runs the class as if we were training for the Royal Ballet – without being patronising!

“We all treasure her so much.”

Mrs Wedgwood previously worked as a special needs school teacher in Wandsworth.

Married with four grown-up children and two grandchildren, Mrs Wedgwood looks after her husband Julian Wedgwood, 88, who has memory problems at home.

She explained that attending the weekly ballet class gives her time to step back from her caregiving responsibilities.

She said: “I think Morley is more than just a place to pursue your interests. I think it contributes a lot to your mental health.”

A keen teacher, Mrs Wedgwood also attended Italian and singing classes at Morley College in her retirement years.

Last year, her commitment to learning was recognized by Morely College London when she received a Morley Student Award for Life-Long Learning.

Morley will celebrate this year’s student award winners in a special award ceremony on July 9.

Mrs. Wedgwood is not the only one in her family who enjoys creative classes at the Waterloo institution.

Her son Crispin Wedgwood, 71, takes singing lessons, while her daughter-in-law enjoys jewelery and stained glass classes.

A passionate advocate of lifelong learning, Ms Wedgwood said: “Learning is for life. You never stop learning.

“I will never achieve perfection in ballet, but nothing prevents me from striving for it.”

And she’s not ready to give up just yet with plans to resume ballet classes in September.

“It’s never too late to try something new,” she said.

Founded in 1889, Morley College London is the capital’s largest institute of adult learning, offering over two thousand different courses, from visual arts and painting to music education in art history to podcasting and music production courses, humanities, dance, foreign languages ​​and well-being.

To learn more visit: https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/

Pictured above: Sheila Wedgwood during her weekly regenerated ballet classes at Morley College (Image: Morley College London)

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