Herb Shapcott is showing everyone that age is no barrier.
Entering his late 90s, the Cleveland resident has been rock and roll dancing for nearly 20 years with dance partner Sonya Graham.
After his wife’s passing, Mr Shapcott found that dancing helped fill the void in his life when he noticed an ad in the local paper offering free dance lessons.
He said his favourite thing about dancing was the companionship, exercise and social benefits it provided.
“It gives you something to look forward to and you know you are getting physical and mental exercise along with chatting to friends and enjoying a cuppa together,” he said.
Mr Shapcott met dance partner Sonya Graham through their shared passion for dance.
“We have great trust and respect for each other,” Mr Shapcott said.
“We both have the same mindset and look forward with enthusiasm to performances and achievements as they present themselves.”
The duo start their performances with Herb telling a joke before leading into a rock and roll number.
Ms Graham said people failed to realise the commitment and dedication it took to participate in rock and roll competitions at Herb’s age.
“It is not just a dance here and there, we have to go through trials, come up with the joke, the dance, the costumes and the song,” she said.
Ms Graham said dancing was Herb’s motivation to get out of bed in the nursing home.
“He said I inspire him, but he honestly inspires me,” she said.
“Having something to look forward to and work towards acts as that light at the end of the tunnel.”
Ms Graham said she would encourage anyone to get involved in dancing.
“Dancing is an all-rounder, you get social skills, you become mentally active through listening to music and following steps and honestly, who needs gym fees when you can dance,” she said.
“Loneliness is one of the biggest factors aged care is facing and getting involved in an activity like dancing covers it.”
