A transformative trip to England and Scotland motivated Jessica Wallis to work with an underserved segment of Akron: seniors aged 55 and older.

One plié (pronounced plē-ˈā) at a time. 

After watching older adults with minimum ballet experience benefit from the movement, the therapeutic effects — the joy — of dance and ballet with minimum ballet experience, Wallis started Ballet for Seniors about a decade after launching Ballet in the City.

From Akron’s Merriman Valley neighborhood, Ballet in the City embodies Wallis’ passion for sharing the arts and education with participants of all ages. It’s delivered in a nurturing and joyful space where movements inspire and transform lives. Weekly classes focus on movements essential to strengthening core and balance and developing lean muscles.

And smiles. 

Akron in 330

The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.

Lisa Persinger: “The workout makes you feel strong and beautiful with the ballet aspects incorporated.” 

Marsha Yanok: “Getting older and having back issues, I needed a form of exercise to improve my flexibility and balance.” 

Mary Beth Reed: “My posture, balance and overall flexibility has improved. Ballet class has become a highlight in my week!”

All three students are aged 60 years and better. Previous ballet lessons are not required. 

On a recent Thursday evening, Wallis led students in a robust and healthy workout during an hour-long session, offering evidence of her own choreography skills, strength and agility. 

The organization is now located inside the Weathervane Playhouse.

Wallis’ love affair with dance began at age six and continued through master classes at the University of Akron. A decade later, she faced the reality that her body could no longer sustain the demanding physicality of ballet. She turned inward, asking herself: 

What makes me happy?

Her quest for fulfillment led to her earning an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and teaching second grade for six years. Yet the classroom was not enough to satisfy her creative spirit. Once again, Wallis pondered: 

What makes me happy?

She’s figured it out.

Interested in joining her? Email info@balletinthecity.org.

Patricia Sheahan is a professor, student teacher supervisor, installation artist, educational consultant for the integration of the arts across all disciplines and a freelance writer. Sheahan enjoys more than four decades of education experience at K-12 schools in New York and Pennsylvania and higher education at Seton Hill University, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Penn State and most recently the University of Akron. Her favorite courses to teach are Social Justice Through the Arts, Ethics, Introduction to Critical Education, Classroom Management and Integrating the Arts K-12. Interests include visiting the Akron Art Museum, Akron Library, Civic Theatre, walking downtown to view murals and window light installations plus the stunning flower and plant arrangements, antiquing, especially from her own vendor space at The Brothers North Antiques in Medina. She also frequents Akron restaurants and local boutiques, travels and spends time with her family; a daughter and her newly blended family in North Canton, a son and his family in San Diego and a son in Dallas.