Dinkie at 97... as sprightly as ever after a century of dance
A DANCE teacher who is still tak- ing three classes a week has just celebrated her 97th birthday. And yesterday the sprightly pensioner revealed the secret of remaining so youthful. Dinkie Flowers said: “It’s all about dancing and exercise. Everyone should do it. “I like a cream slice and a glass of white wine like anyone, but I started dancing at the age of three and I’ve just never stopped.” She now teaches ballet, fl oor and tap at her Dinkie Flowers Stage School in Shoreham, West Sussex. Born nearby in Hove, East Sussex, in 1921, Dinkie soon showed some real talent.
When Dinkie learned her first routines, David Lloyd George had recently been replaced as prime minister by Stanley Baldwin and George V was in the middle of his 25- year tenure on the throne.
She went on to hone her skills at London’s Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
She also fell in love with ice skating, performing at Brighton’s old Sports Stadium. Dinkie went on to skate and dance all over the world, even performing for Prince Philip at an Ice Gala in 1952 for which she received a royal letter of thanks.
The dancer went on to marry husband George, who managed the famous Raymond Revuebar in London. He died in 2005. The couple had a daughter Sarah and four grandchildren.
Having just renewed her driving licence until past her 100th birthday, Dinkie is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
“I’m not going to stop dancing. Everyone should get off their bottoms and give it a go,” she said.
THE beautifully named Dinkie Flowers is a living advertisement for her advice to “get dancing” – she looks decades younger than her 97 years. Here we have it: the secret to healthy longevity is to tap your toes. Contrast that with obesity Britain. Take Dinkie’s advice and get moving. What have we all got to lose?