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Friday September 5, 1997

In first person... Spry, dancing 89-year-old proves you're never too old

WILLIAM BRAUNSTEIN
Special to the Bulletin

Whenever I see her she is off to one dance or another. Whether it's at a local senior center for ballroom or line dancing at the YMCA, I have been to some of these dances and seen this special lady dancing into the wee hours of the morning, with her gentleman partner.

In fact, she dances so well, she gives lessons to a group of Chinese seniors, who barely speak English. They call her "Teacher Mama." Her students learn by following her feet.

Because she has visual problems, she cannot drive but does well with bus transportation, or an occasional ride from a friend.

This woman has been an inspiration to me. I'm only 72, but at times when I'm feeling low or sorry for myself, I look at her and think of the lines in the song that say, "Whenever you're feeling low, pick yourself up and let yourself go." She certainly does. "Dancing is great exercise," she says, and a contribution to longevity."

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