Yes, as long as the teacher knows the score when teaching Seniors. When I was studying at WAAPA, I moonlighted on a course run by the Western Australian Dept of Health for teachers in any fitness genre wanting to teach Seniors. We were given the following guide lines, which, adapted to ballet, meant:
~ No grands pliés
~ No lengthy ports bras with the arms overhead. It is considered unwise to ask older people to spend a lot of time with their arms overhead, as this can put added stress on the heart and blood pressure. (Speaking of which, it is prudent for teachers to remind Senior students to get the go ahead from their doctors before joining the class.)
~ No pointe work
~ No jumps. One foot must be on the ground at all times! (We do simple enchainments involving steps such as chassés, glissades, pas de bourrées, waltzes, balancés, pas de basques and similar terre à terre steps. )
Of course, if the student is a former professional who has never stopped dancing, s/he should be directed to a regular class rather than one designed for beginning or very rusty students. Even then, I make sure the student understands the above recommendations.
