“Thank you for another wonderful term of ballet. I have shared this thought with a number of the ladies (who all agreed) but now think I should share it with you. I honestly think you might be the best teacher I have ever encountered in any subject at any time in my life. You are endlessly creative, patient and enthusiastic in your pursuit of making our minds and bodies better ballet dancers. Your analogies, illustrations, stories, demonstrations cater for all learners and keep us laughing and alert. It’s a bit weird for the pupil to write the teacher’s end of term report but I give you 10/10…excellent…and thank you! You have an extraordinary talent.”

— Deborah M

“Lucy is a wonderful teacher who conveys her joy and love for ballet and performance through her teaching. She supports and guides us with technique and placement accompanied by her sensitive selection of music. We leave the class an inch taller and more elegant, our posture improved.

Lucy’s support and encouragement has supported the challenges of a previously broken ankle, inflexibility through encroaching arthritis and addressing the fear and anxiety of joining an unknown group after trauma.

Lucy has rekindled a love of dance and expression through music, strengthened the body and improved flexibility, as well as improving balance and coordination, so important as one approaches the Silver Swan years. Soul, body and mind all in one class. ”

— Nicola 

“I loved doing  ballet as a child but thought  I was too old to take it up again and a bit nervous about attending a class. A friend and I found a silver swans class with Ballet Better. The others there were all different ages, shapes, sizes and experiences and some were new to ballet.

I have been attending classes for 3 years now. It's the highlight of my week and I've gained confidence, my posture has improved and given me a new body awareness as well as a brain work out.

Our teacher Lucy Clay manages to bring the best out in of us all, and she is fun and so inspiring.

We have all become good friends and I would recommend Ballet Better to everyone.”

— Sally S

“Working with Lucy is a delight and a challenge. She is the most supportive and encouraging teacher and always drives me to do my best and improve using a delicate mix of kindness and determination. I started out to rediscover ballet in 2019 and over the past years have seen remarkable changes in my body from having more energy and confidence in my physicality to becoming far more aware of my posture and movement.

I took up ballet after my retirement from a very sedentary job. I had suffered from sciatica and back pain for months and was advised to exercise more to build up my muscle strength. In addition I was anxious about developing osteoporosis and had concerns about my balance and a fear of falling. Lucy takes care to identify and work on specific areas of concern whilst also maintaining focus on the grace and joy of dance itself.

The outcomes of working with Lucy are

1. Greater physical strength and confidence

2. Better mental well- being and calmness

3 Friendship amongst the Silver Swans ”

— Barbara B

“Lucy is a fantastic ballet teacher. She is friendly, welcoming and a passionate communicator. She has the gift of combining serious discipline with light hearted humour. Lucy is ultra diligent in finding ways of explaining and breaking down every aspect of the dance which will speak to the individual no matter her experience or ability. She treats her pupils with respect and works reasonably within the limits of the individual whilst encouraging growth. The class is totally non competitive and non judgemental with an appreciation that mature students arrive with very different experiences and physiques. Lucy communicates her passion and knowledge of ballet as a profound art form which transcends  movement to music to a meaningful spiritual experience. I feel privileged to be a late learner under the guidance of the best teacher!”

— Ann Smith

“As a woman in her 70s I have been aware I needed more regular and consistent exercise each week for my general health. Lucy's class contributes to this in a most pleasant and fulfilling way. What could be better than excellent instruction and inspiring music provide by this most talented teacher.

As a result she has given me a greater understanding of this art form, and a series of challenges, which I will continue to work on. She has also given me more confidence in my ability to keep on dancing!”

— Gabby

“I joined the Silver Swans with some hesitation, not having danced as a child, but simply loving the art of ballet. Lucy has been so welcoming, so full of encouragement and so understanding that ballet now helps keep me fit, supple and mentally stimulated, with a great set of new friends and a fabulously inspiring teacher!”

— Beverley

“Lucy is an inspiring, energetic & enthusiastic teacher and makes our classes such fun! Whilst always working to improve our technique, Lucy is equally patient when we get it wrong, or when the old short-term memory loss kicks in and all is forgiven! I can highly recommend her classes!

At the time of my joining Lucy’s classes I had fairly recently been widowed and seldom had the motivation to go out at all. However, the opportunity to join the Silver Swans group has been a really positive experience for me and has helped to turned my life around. I now feel back on track and able to live again!

I have made new friends and am part of a supportive group of likeminded ‘Swans’ that has provided with a new social outlet too.

I am challenged and have to learn and perform something new every week, which can only be good at my age!

Having studied ballet as a child, it is an absolute joy to be able to dance once again!

— Mary K

“As a child I enjoyed ballet lessons and have always loved watching ballet but it was not until my 69th year that I discovered Silver Swans.  My weekly class is now a highlight of my week. 

In our classes with Lucy, our very experienced and fun teacher, we stretch the body, our memory muscles and our musicality in a friendly and non-judgemental  atmosphere. To inspire us Lucy also arranges visits to ballet performances.

Silver Swans is a wonderful way to reconnect or explore ballet steps as a total beginner. Its great for one's fitness, core strength and of course the mind..”

— Rosie Pointy Toes

“Lucy’s love of dance and her energy and enthusiasm make class a joy. She designs and evolves the class structure so it is relevant and accessible for all levels of fitness and knowledge. This approach enables everyone to develop at their own pace whilst still enjoying the benefits and kindness of being part of a group.

I came to Lucy following a very difficult time in my life and through the classes and her kindness not only improved my physical health but also my mental health. A lovely outcome of this  was the rekindling of my love of dance and dancing which is a real joy to me.

Fun, joy and finding I might have a ‘core’ again!”

— Linda

“The benefits for me working with you Lucy has been, very definitely, improving my balance, sense of stability and posture even with my off days of vertigo, and migraine. Even  more important to feel some sense of control, and co- ordination during those episodes. I also love the music and definitely love making new friends.

Cognitive memory skills are definitely challenged which I love and hate in equal portions. Tiredness, managing energy, soon bounce back after our lovely coffee together. 

Love the classes Lucy. Have been very pleased I joined, and proud to say I do ballet.”

— Anthea A

“Lucy is an incredibly enthusiastic, encouraging and knowledgeable ballet teacher.

I'm definitely a very 'Silver' Swan, and had never had ballet lessons before, so Lucy introduced me to the joy of movement and dance to music.  

The lessons are great exercise and help with balance, muscle control, deportment and are fun.”

— Mary H