While many people her age are slowing down, 92-year-old Margaret Mayers is still stepping into the ballet studio each week, and not just for a gentle stretch. Margaret completes a full 90-minute ballet class every week, a routine she has maintained for decades in her adult class with the Melbourne Ballet Company studios located in Tannock Street, Greythorn Central.
This month, fellow dancers and teachers paused their usual class to celebrate an extraordinary milestone, Margaret’s 92nd birthday, with a small in-studio celebration honouring her dedication, resilience, and lifelong love of dance.
Margaret trains under Muriel Simkiss, herself a graduate of the Gay Wightman School of Ballet and the Melbourne Ballet Company before going on to dance professionally with The Australian Ballet. Muriel says Margaret is an inspiration not only to adult dancers, but to the school’s youngest students as well.
“Margaret reminds us that ballet is not just for the young, it is for life,” Muriel said. “Her strength, posture, musicality, and determination are remarkable. She shows our students what lifelong movement, discipline, and passion can achieve.”
Margaret’s continued commitment highlights the profound benefits of dance for longevity, mobility, coordination, mental wellbeing, and community connection. Ballet has long been recognised for supporting balance, strength, flexibility, and cognitive health, qualities Margaret embodies every week at the barre.
The Melbourne Ballet Company community, which spans students from early childhood to seniors, sees Margaret as a symbol of joy, perseverance, and the power of staying active through the arts.