When I first saw this YouTube video, I was told it was Ginger Rogers at 92, dancing with her 29-year-old great-grandson. I couldn’t believe it!I told my friends at the gym this morning, “You’ve got to see Ginger Rogers and how well she can dance at 92.” Of course, I exaggerated how she was flung up in the air, landing with a back-flip…etc…
I felt motivated to push myself harder, do an extra set of leg extensions and leg curls and another fifty ab crunches on the ball.
“I have to share this with everyone,” I told my husband, and then it occurred to me, “What if it’s not Ginger Rogers?” After my Google search, I discovered that Ginger Rogers died in 1995, and this was a 75-year-old, Englishwoman Sarah “Paddy” Jones who took up salsa dancing after moving to Spain some years ago. In the clip, Sarah is dancing with her dance instructor, Nicholas ‘Nicko’ Espluos.
Disappointed, I thought, well at seventy-five, this no longer seem sensational. Had it been Ginger Rogers at ninety-two, this would be spectacular, but so what at seventy-five.
Then I started thinking about some of the fifty-year-olds at my gym, the ones I used to train as a personal trainer. Many huffed and puffed their way up the stairs, couldn’t get off the floor mat without grabbing onto a chair, and I changed my mind and decided: Sonia, you’re crazy! Sarah “Paddy” Jones is 75. She deserves to be praised for her flexible body and her Gutsy attitude. So what if she’s not Ginger Rogers. She’s “Paddy” and she’s amazing.”
The first minute of the video is a teaser, so please watch to the end. I guarantee you’ll be inspired to start moving, taking a dance class, yoga, or lifting weights, if you haven’t already.
If you’re inspired, please let us know, and share with a friend or someone who could use some motivation today.
I think this is pretty amazing at any age – and especially at an age where most people take a little stroll and then watch TV all day…
She is inspiring! And I think this is quite unusual for the UK. Scandinavians tend to keep themselves in good shape at this age, but not Brits.
Oh, yes, this is motivational! I would love to be able to do that. I'll be taking some sort of dancing lessons in the near future, depending on what is available in my next habitat — where ever that might turn out to be.
Now I'm off to the gym (really!)
Holy Crap! I don't think I could do that now, at 60. But you're right… it is so inspiring I want to take salsa classes! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing! She is amazing! I'm one of those late 50 somethings who huff and puff just going to the bathroom! I am sooo motivated after watching this! Great post!
Amazing! I wish I had her toned arms–and I am 15 years younger than she is. What an inspiration.
Paddy is very impressive….and it looks like she did it all in heels.
It does make one want to get up and move.
@Ladyfi
I wonder why Scandinavians are more health conscious. The weather isn't any better than in the U.K.
@Miss Footloose
How was the gym?
@Barbara
When is your salsa class starting?
@noexcuses
Now you have no excuse. Sorry I couldn't resist.
@Belinda
I agree. Love the photo of you and your beautiful dog.
@Jeanie
I didn't notice her shoes. Need to look again.
Inspiring and maybe a proof that ages depend on our mood and state of mind…
There is a reason I like your blog 😉
People who don't see age as a barrier to try something new: impressive and inspiring.
Thank you.
P.S. It's a matter of time before 75 is the new 45. We're heading into the age of longevity.
I loved watching the video and reliving dancing in sixties and seventies. I've written about my love of ballroom dancing in my book, No! Your Other Left Foot. Thank you for posting the video.
thea clark.
Sonia, have you been reading my emails, listening my latest promises? 🙂
When back in Finland I will start a 'new life'. I want to get rid of extra kilos I've gained during expat life in Cairo and Casa. Can't wait. I'm very motivated now.
I felt like a whale when in Australia watching people at beaches in Sydney (whatever age). I've been always slim, flexible and bendy. Now it's time to get that good feeling back again!
Greetings from sunny Casa!
Wow that's amazing!! Really impressed.
@Phivos
Very true. We have to keep moving.
@Antares
That's kind of you Antares. Hope so.
@Thea
Good luck with your book. I know you love dancing.
@BLOGitse
I'm sure you'll get there. You sound very motivated too.
@Lauri
Me too!
HOLY MOLY!!!!! BRAVO!!!! That was AWESOME!! Talk about inspiration in spades! I could not get over her muscle tone in her upper arms! Thanks for sharing this Sonia…
What a wonderful dancer that lady is!
My grandmother used to go Ballroom dancing for many years. That is what started my love of it.
Love Di ♥
Some great tips. Glad I found your blog!
I used to work with NCL. But did a real cruise with Carnival. So those are some of my old collections. Thanks for the visit and the comment.
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