Have you ever wondered what happens to dancers when they get older? Do they still dance? Where do they dance? Well, if so I've compiled some inspirational videos to motivate those of you out there who have decided to take up dance as an adult or continue dancing for their entire lives. For me, I've always loved dance and the thought of not dancing in the future feels even strange for me to even type. So, I find it really inspirational when I see other dancers who continue to dance and pursue their passion as long as they can. Along with my research I also learned about the numerous benefits of dancing as you get older as a Senior, and I also learned about how you can dance at any age. Anyways, I hope that this post gives you the inspiration to continue your dreams whether it be dancing or otherwise and let me know what you think in the comments down below! Enjoy :)
Here is an inspirational video of a 77 year old Ballet Dancer, Madame Suzelle Poole, who has danced professionally and now teaches and still dances to this day! I have provided the video down below from Youtube:
Here's another video of Madame Suzelle Poole that demonstrates her dancing more at the age of 70.
Another inspirational video is of a 71 year old ballet dancer who has become Britain's oldest dancer to pass the Grade 6 RAD Ballet Examination. What an accomplishment, it definitely brings up the argument that you're never too old to do what you love!
As for professional dancers here is a video I found of the professional ballerina (principal dancer) Wendy Whelan who danced with the New York City Ballet up until the age of 47 years old. She is now 50 years old and still dances and discusses how her movement and style of dancing has evolved over the years due to injuries, scoliosis, and a hip replacement. In addition, she has been dancing since the age of three and began dancing professionally as an apprentice in 1984 and went on to the corps de ballet in 1986. If you're interested to learn more about Ms. Whelan's story, her full documentary about her journey in recovering from a hip replacement and labral tear is available on Netflix Canada.
Here is another inspirational video of a 40 year old Principal Ballerina named Maria Kowroski who dances with the NYC Ballet and discusses the challenges of aging with dance, as well as dancing after having given birth to her son. Along with self-care and priority changes along with it!
Here's another amazing video of a dancer named Tessa who is 82 years old and to this day still dances. Talk about inspirational!
Need more inspiration? Check out this remarkable video of Eileen Kramer who is 101 years old and is Australia's oldest dancer and choreographer, and may even be the world's oldest dancer and choreographer. If you'd like to learn more about her, she self-published and wrote a self-memoir of her life in dance called "Walkabout Dancer".
Overall, I hope that you enjoyed this post and that it inspires you to keep on dancing regardless of what society may tell you. If you love to do something you should never give up because of what other's think of you. In the end, you are the only one who knows what's right for you. Of course, if you have an injury or there are other complications then this may hinder your ability to continue dancing. But I just thought I'd give you some encouragement if you're just starting out and feel like you're too behind/too old whether you're a teen, adult, or senior, don't give up if you love it! I know the transition between dancing as a teen to becoming a young adult after high school can be difficult but if you'd like to learn more about some of the opportunities available in the nearby areas, then feel free to check out my other post on dancing after high school. Happy Dancing and Thanks for reading :)