Mums on pointe for ballet success

These ladies are all mums with three or even four children but they have followed their own dream of returning to dance and are celebrating having passed their Royal Academy of Dance intermediate exam,

They are Alison Whyman, Caroline Griffen, and Judy Newton who are all learning dance at ESSPA in Buckhurst Place, and are taught by Emma Manes.

Judy, of Dorset Road, commented: “We are women in our 30s and 40s and it is a bit of fun, but I feel we have accomplished something quite different.

“I have come back to ballet in my 40s and it has been tough on my body, but I’m absolutely thrilled.

“It has proved to me I have still got what it takes to achieve things, and I’ve got my strength and flexibility back after having children.”

She praised the adult class she attends at ESSPA and said: “It is a bit like riding a bike - it does gradually come back. I think it is important for all of us to do it... and it doesn’t matter what you look like, it is what you feel like. If you are a dancer it is lovely to get your body moving to music.

“I think it is fantastic. I have three little girls all of whom do dance, so now they can look up to their mum, and it’s great for me because they feel proud.”

PICTURED: Alison Whyman, Caroline Griffen, and Judy Newton