Graceful moves and regal posture are the first things that come to mind when we think of ballerinas, who are required to train intensively from a very early age. But if you think the idea of ballet is out of reach for senior adults, think again.

In China's northeastern city of Shenyang, a group of women are challenging that norm and training for ballet beyond their golden years. These glamorous ballerinas in their 60s came together after retirement. They call themselves the "Grandmother Ballet" and share a passion for dance, even though none of them had ever practiced the art form before.

Since Wang Fengxia founded the troupe in 2008, membership has doubled in the past decade. Wang said ballet was a childhood dream for the dancers. "We grew up with Chinese ballets like The Red Detachment of Women and White-haired Girl," she said. "We didn't have a chance to practice until we retired, when we had more time to enjoy it."

The performers get choreographic ideas from ballet, modern dance and even folk dance. But that's not the most challenging part – these women know they have to put in more effort than younger ones. The dancers told us that it's easy to get foot injuries as they are older. "But none of us complain about the pain because we really love dancing," said the ladies.

To many, they dance almost as well as professionals. While pursuing their dreams, each is experiencing the changes ballet has brought to them. Zhu Yanhua, one of the dancers, said ballet gave her happiness and a good body shape. "We feel ourselves being more graceful and confident, and our family life more harmonious," she pointed out.

The grandmother ballerinas are moving beyond the dance studio, pirouetting onto the stage of the Vienna Golden Hall. Besides training and touring, the troupe brings their performances to senior homes and other public events, spreading happiness and inspiring more people.

It's no surprise that while the senior ballerinas are trying to cheer up their peers with their performances, there's been an increasing number in recent years of urban-based elderly Chinese residents adopting a positive attitude towards aging. Diverse leisure activities enable them to pursue self-fulfillment.

"No matter how old or how young you are, as long as you insist on what you like, your dream will come true," said Wang Fengxia, leader of the troupe.  

The ladies say they intend to keep dancing until the day they can't.