At 96 years old, Gertrude Dogden, affectionately known as Gertie, defies expectations.
While many her age have slowed down, Gertie remains light on her feet, kicking up her heels to the rhythm of line dancing, a passion she has held close for decades. In a world where age often defines limits, Gertie’s story is one of joy, resilience and the undeniable power of movement.
Gertie’s love for dance began early in her life, but it wasn’t until later that she discovered line dancing – a style that combines her love for music and a sense of community.
“I did ballet from when I was 11 years old and I went to a ballet school in England for a year, I came back and got married and had five children. My husband and I did ballroom and Latin American together for a few years and came down to South Africa after spending 37 years in Zambia,” she shares.
For Gertie, dancing has been more than just a hobby – it’s been a lifeline. Even as the years passed and life threw challenges her way, she never stopped moving. She has danced through many decades, from small town halls to community events, always finding joy in the rhythm of line dancing.
“You got to keep moving; movement is life. I just pray and thank God each day when I wake up,” says Gertie as she attributes her long life and good health to staying active, both physically and mentally.
While she’s no longer able to perform the more complex routines she once did, she still participates in regular line dancing sessions, modifying the steps to fit her abilities.
Gertie started dancing at Rainbow Line Dancers based at the Discovery Recreation Centre eight years ago and she says she just loves it because ‘you’ve just got to keep exercising all the time to remain healthy and fit’. She further adds that at her age, she still drives her car.
“Gertie has been dancing with us for a very long time and we all love and enjoy her being around. She’s always smiling and never in a bad mood, she just loves to dance and does all the competitions,” says Leon Nel, the owner and teacher at Rainbow Line Dancing.
Gertie continues to defy the odds, proving that age is no barrier to doing what you love. Her energy, resilience, and unwavering joy serve as a reminder that life, no matter how long, is meant to be lived fully.
