From Ballet Slippers to Village Life: Ann’s Story at Cumberland View

Ann: Our Resident Ballet Dancer

Ann, daughter of an Air Force officer, experienced a childhood filled with extensive travel. She attended four primary schools and three high schools, including a British army school in Malaysia.

Ann’s passion for ballet began at a young age. At six, she joined the Royal Academy of Dance while overseas, immersing herself in the art and techniques of ballet. Upon returning to Australia after her father’s reposting, Ann continued her ballet and jazz ballet training with a private instructor, appreciating the one-on-one sessions that helped her refine her skills.

Her dedication to dance led her to study at a Dance school Penrith, where she pursued both ballet and jazz ballet.

Later, Ann transitioned to a career in nursing, where she met her husband, Dr. Dennis. Together, they had two sons, Michael and Patrick. Ann devoted herself to her family and supporting her husband’s medical practice.

Tragically, Dr. Dennis passed away from motor neuron disease. Following this, Ann faced her own health challenges, being diagnosed with cancer and secondary cancer. Realizing her home in Dandenong was too large to manage, she sought a new living arrangement.

Ann had often driven past the empty cow paddocks where Cumberland View Retirement Village now stands. Once built, she decided when the time came it was the perfect place for her retirement. She was drawn to the natural environment, with its abundant trees and beautiful gardens, and found her unit to be ideal for her needs.

We love hearing stories from our residents and celebrating all their achievements. It was such a lovely thing to hear Ann’s feedback from the Mother’s Day event and to see a picture of her as a young dancer the day after the event. Recently, Ann attended our Mother’s Day event at Cumberland View, where ballet dancers performed for the residents.

The performance was heart-warming for Ann, rekindling memories of her dancing days and her passion for ballet. She enjoyed conversing with the young performers, sharing and discussing techniques they both understood.

We are delighted to support Ann here at Cumberland View and are thrilled that she enjoys living here.