‘Age is no excuse for not dancing’

POLOKWANE – Ballroom dancing, which is enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world, is a fun sport and a good way to stay fit.
Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television.
While most people like to think that age restricts you from doing certain things, passionate dance enthusiasts will beg to differ.
Johanna Eloff (65) and Izak van der Walt (59 ) are a very good example of dedicated people.
They are dance partners who have been dancing together at Jama Dance Studios for almost four years, and age will not stop them from doing what they are passionate about.
“Age is no excuse for not dancing, you have to keep fit at any stage of your life, no matter how old you are,” Johanna said.
She and Isak originally danced together at social events, just for enjoyment, then decided to make it a part-time professional dancing sport.
They have competed in several competitions and have won three senior championship titles and one Gauteng Province Championship title.
Johanna has a daughter and three grandchildren while Izak has three sons.
“Our families are very proud of the fact that we are active and fit and are still dancing at our age, I’m sure Izak’s sons are as proud of their father as my family is of me.”
Their coach, Jack Mawasha, owner of Jama Dance Studio, is just as proud to tutor them two or three times a week.
“I’m advising more older people to come us to the dance studio, because not only does it keep you fit, but it also keeps you healthy,” Jack explains.
He says Johanna and Izak are very dedicated dance partners, and that they have been loyal dance students ever since they started dancing at his studio almost three years ago.
He further says stories such as this one are very inspirational to would-be dancers, as it is not everyday senior citizens view dancing as a sport.
anne@nmgroup.co.za