My ballet journey began when I was 53 and it’s become a beacon of grace in my life

‘The need for ballet – like art, literature and music – has never been greater. We need the arts to bring respite from the daily, brutal news.’ Photograph: trigubova/Getty Images/iStockphoto

It’s a Friday and I’m driving along Kings Way. The traffic is heavy but my heart is light. Soon I’ll get to Flemington and the ballet studio on the hill, the highlight of my week and a beacon of grace in my life.

When I get there, I’ll head to the change room. In my bag is a leotard, ballet tights, ballet skirt and pink ballet slippers. In winter, a cardigan and legwarmers, too.