10/09/2026
This is Charlotte Smedley.
For Charlotte, dance has never simply been something she did — it has been a constant part of who she is.
From her first ballet classes at four and a half in Lyme Regis, England, Charlotte was hooked.
She trained in ballet, tap and modern, and even worked as a GoGo dancer in local clubs to help pay for university classes.
Arriving in Australia in 1988, she continued exactly as she had always done. Living and working in Shepparton, Victoria, she drove to Melbourne twice a week to take dance classes — as well as teaching one herself in the community.
After more than six decades, Charlotte is still dancing.
Alongside her love of dance, Charlotte built a career in Occupational Therapy, Social Work, social research and academia, including lecturing at UNSW and Sydney and Wollongong Universities.
We asked Charlotte five questions about why she loves ballet.
1. What inspired you to go back to ballet at this stage of life?
I came back to ballet 3 years ago when a woman in my swim class told me about ballet classes at Reward Dance.
I went and LOVED Rachel's teaching.
2. How has learning ballet changed the way you think about yourself or your abilities?
I have always danced, but returning to ballet was hard because it initially reminded me of what I couldn’t do with my body anymore, but now I know I can still do ballet as the person I am now.
3. What do you enjoy most about ballet?
I love Rachel's teaching, her approach and the way she gives instruction and guidance that you can apply to yourself to improve your technique.
Everybody feels valued in class. The environment is wonderful, everyone is inclusive and there’s no judgement about your ability.
4. Have you faced any challenges?
I broke my ankle once but I still went into classes with a boot on. But it didn’t stop me and it made us all laugh.
5. What would you say to someone your age thinking about trying something new like ballet?
Age shouldn't be a barrier. Whether you’re my age, older or younger, you should come and try it.
It's not just the physical benefits of ballet; there are the cognitive benefits of remembering what we've been asked to do, and the social benefits of the class which spills out into people’s lives.
