I've always loved dancing, and in South Africa I taught ballet, switching my profession to catering (another form of creativity) here in Israel. So it was only natural that I should continue dancing for my own pleasure. Although Israeli folk-dancing exists all over Israel, I discovered it here in Eilat through the community centers. The ages of the participants vary from 50 to 80. I, at age 71, am in the middle. So what's wrong with that?

In Canada, ballroom dancing is done in every retirement home, and scientific studies have shown that nearly 80% of the residents have reduced their intake of pills. By doing this type of movement together with music, hormones called endorphins are released, reducing pain and giving you a feeling of euphoria. This is a chemical reaction and works very well for people who suffer from depression.

Dancing gives us the pleasure of movement, both physically and mentally. Recently I attended the ESRA Cinema Club and showing of "Ada's Dance Club", a wonderful documentary about the uplifting quality of dance, regardless of age (see review page ----) I was saddened by the reaction of laughter among some people in the audience who said that even though it was a wonderful documentary, they were embarrassed at seeing elderly people dance. I could not persuade a friend of mine to come and see the movie because like many others, she too felt embarrassed.

Why this prejudice? Arthur Rubinstein played the piano until his late 90s. Singers, too, are ageless. So why should there be a stigma for elderly people to dance? I dance three times a week. It lifts my spirits, and there's nothing more invigorating than doing salsa. What a pity that so few retirement homes offer this type of recreation in Israel.

A dancing teacher who specializes in folk dancing came to Eilat from Tel Aviv to give a dance performance. Her artistry and musicality were so beautiful, but people, mainly Anglos, were shocked that she could still dance at age 85. The teacher was mortified that her age should have mattered. "Take me for what I am", was her answer.

I decided to do a private survey of what Israelis of different backgrounds thought about this subject. Israelis who have grown up with folk dancing from an early age, starting in kindergarten, have no qualms or embarrassment whatsoever about age, whereas those of Anglo background who haven't grown up in this type of environment and culture did.  Probably this accounts for the difference in attitudes.

My advice to all of you is to lose your inhibitions and prejudices. Just dance. There's another world out there and for me it's the best medicine in the world.