99-Year-Old Tap Dancer Reveals Secret to Staying Young – Will You Be Inspired to Move Your Feet?
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At the sprightly age of 99, Lorraine Kaemphel of Coffs Harbour is living proof that age is just a number, especially when it comes to staying active and embracing life. With her centennial celebration on the horizon this November, Lorraine isn't just planning a party; she's inspiring a movement among seniors to step out of their comfort zones and onto the dance floor.
Thirty years ago, at the age of 69, Lorraine decided to lace up her tap shoes and join a dance class, a decision that she credits with keeping her in enviable health and high spirits. Today, she's not only a cherished member of her tap dance class but also a decorated dancer with a collection of eisteddfod ribbons that would make any performer proud.
Lorraine's journey into the world of tap began quite serendipitously. While enjoying lunch at a local RSL club, she was captivated by a performance from a group of adult tap dancers. The instructor's invitation for fun, fitness, and friendship was all the encouragement she needed. Lorraine, along with her eldest daughter and a friend, decided to give it a try. While her companions' interest waned after a few months, Lorraine's passion for tap only grew stronger.
Even a triple bypass heart surgery six years into her tap dancing couldn't slow her down. Six weeks post-operation, with her surgeon's blessing, she was back to tapping her feet. Her heart surgeon's advice was clear: 'Don't ever give it up.' It's a mantra that Lorraine has lived by, even as she's navigated health challenges like age-related macular degeneration, which has left her with only peripheral vision, and the need for a walking stick.
Finding a dance instructor who could accommodate her needs was crucial, and in Julie Ross, Lorraine found not just an instructor but a dear friend. Julie has tailored dance routines to suit Lorraine's abilities, ensuring she's safely positioned among her fellow dancers and can continue to enjoy her beloved hobby.
Lorraine's presence in the class is more than just a testament to her own determination; it's a beacon of inspiration for her classmates. Fellow members Janice Gregory and Sue Vial speak of her with admiration, aspiring to match her vitality and skill as they approach their own golden years. Lorraine's sharp memory often catches her classmates' missteps, a gentle reminder that age doesn't necessarily dim one's faculties.
The class is eagerly preparing a special tap performance to Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 disco hit 'September' for Lorraine's 100th birthday. It's set to be a celebration that encapsulates the joy, camaraderie, and zest for life that Lorraine embodies.
Julie Ross notes that her adult classes have seen a surge in popularity as more seniors seek to reconnect with past dance experiences or try something entirely new. Despite the mental, social, and physical benefits of dancing, many seniors hesitate, fearing they're 'too old to start.' Lorraine's example is a powerful counterargument to such doubts.
Lorraine has faced her share of naysayers, other seniors who've cautioned her about the risks of dancing at her age. Her response to them is as straightforward as it is defiant: 'No way.'
So, what's the secret to staying young according to Lorraine Kaemphel? It's simple: keep moving, keep connecting, and keep challenging yourself. As we celebrate Lorraine's remarkable journey, let's ask ourselves: are we ready to follow in her tap-dancing footsteps? Whether it's tap, ballroom, or any other form of dance, the rhythm of life is calling. Will you answer?
We at the Seniors Discount Club would love to hear your thoughts and stories about how you keep active and engaged, no matter your age. Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's dance our way to a healthier, happier life together!
Thirty years ago, at the age of 69, Lorraine decided to lace up her tap shoes and join a dance class, a decision that she credits with keeping her in enviable health and high spirits. Today, she's not only a cherished member of her tap dance class but also a decorated dancer with a collection of eisteddfod ribbons that would make any performer proud.
Lorraine's journey into the world of tap began quite serendipitously. While enjoying lunch at a local RSL club, she was captivated by a performance from a group of adult tap dancers. The instructor's invitation for fun, fitness, and friendship was all the encouragement she needed. Lorraine, along with her eldest daughter and a friend, decided to give it a try. While her companions' interest waned after a few months, Lorraine's passion for tap only grew stronger.
Lorraine Kaemphel started tap dancing in her 70s and has been a regular of the Julie Ross Dance Studio since then. Image Credit: Facebook/Julie Ross Dance Studio
Even a triple bypass heart surgery six years into her tap dancing couldn't slow her down. Six weeks post-operation, with her surgeon's blessing, she was back to tapping her feet. Her heart surgeon's advice was clear: 'Don't ever give it up.' It's a mantra that Lorraine has lived by, even as she's navigated health challenges like age-related macular degeneration, which has left her with only peripheral vision, and the need for a walking stick.
Finding a dance instructor who could accommodate her needs was crucial, and in Julie Ross, Lorraine found not just an instructor but a dear friend. Julie has tailored dance routines to suit Lorraine's abilities, ensuring she's safely positioned among her fellow dancers and can continue to enjoy her beloved hobby.
Lorraine's presence in the class is more than just a testament to her own determination; it's a beacon of inspiration for her classmates. Fellow members Janice Gregory and Sue Vial speak of her with admiration, aspiring to match her vitality and skill as they approach their own golden years. Lorraine's sharp memory often catches her classmates' missteps, a gentle reminder that age doesn't necessarily dim one's faculties.
The class is eagerly preparing a special tap performance to Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 disco hit 'September' for Lorraine's 100th birthday. It's set to be a celebration that encapsulates the joy, camaraderie, and zest for life that Lorraine embodies.
Julie Ross notes that her adult classes have seen a surge in popularity as more seniors seek to reconnect with past dance experiences or try something entirely new. Despite the mental, social, and physical benefits of dancing, many seniors hesitate, fearing they're 'too old to start.' Lorraine's example is a powerful counterargument to such doubts.
Lorraine has faced her share of naysayers, other seniors who've cautioned her about the risks of dancing at her age. Her response to them is as straightforward as it is defiant: 'No way.'
So, what's the secret to staying young according to Lorraine Kaemphel? It's simple: keep moving, keep connecting, and keep challenging yourself. As we celebrate Lorraine's remarkable journey, let's ask ourselves: are we ready to follow in her tap-dancing footsteps? Whether it's tap, ballroom, or any other form of dance, the rhythm of life is calling. Will you answer?
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