Widower, 96, Knocks Out The Competition With His Smooth Dance Moves And Astounds Instructor

Aug 17, 2022 by apost team

Dancing can be more than just an art – it can liberate you, teach you things about yourself and help you deal with all the other things in life weighing on you. It can also bring you closer to others, as one instructor found out through an unusual student.

Liya Kazbekova’s list of accomplishments is long. She is a Master of Sport and 12-time Kazakhstan champion, triple World Championship finalist and has competed in the Asian Indoor Games. Not only is she a professional ballroom dancer but a dance teacher, consultant and professional choreographer as well. When not competing, she teaches dance in Los Angeles, California, to students young, old – and very old.

On Feb. 5, 2021, Kazbekova posted a video on her Instagram account of herself dancing with a remarkable student. Her dance partner, Tom, is 96 years old and had danced for 30 years but stopped after his wife passed. 

In the clip, Tom’s looks belied his ability, and he was seen keeping in step with Kazbekova throughout the practice. Without missing a beat, he held the dance teacher’s hand as they swayed to the music of Wayne Gorbea’s “Sabor Sabor.” Watching him move to the beat is not just hypnotizing but also so skillful he could put men half his age to shame. 

“HE IS 96 and he is a dancer. My inspiration and motivation. Applause to my student – Tom. Once a dancer, forever a dancer,” she wrote in the caption in appreciation of Tom’s skills and motivation to continue learning, no matter his age.

Viewers adored the video, praising Tom for tearing up the dancefloor and not letting age stop him.

“Wow this is very beautiful and cool and soberano grandpa he dances very beautifully!” one fan wrote.

“I hope life is always like this. “Giving and taking inspiration beyond age.” Respect you all,” another comment read.

A third person said, “Amazing work, Tom. You are an inspiration!!!” Another user shared, “Never stop dancing!”

“This is what life is about. Never forget to dance. Always listen to music, sing as much as possible, Live, laugh, and love,” another viewer said.

“It is never too late to go back to things you enjoyed in the past!!!”

Meanwhile, Kazbekova had some advice for those who felt too self-conscious about picking up the skill or continuing to learn it. 

“Stop judging yourself and criticizing yourself in a negative way. Start enjoying your learning process,” was her first tip.

“Don’t look at your competitors like they are your villains. They are just normal people as you, they might just have similar goals as you,” she continued, adding, “Stop losing your energy by looking after other people’s lives. Focus on your life, focus on your inner peace.”

For Kazbekova, dance should be an enjoyable pastime and shouldn’t stress you out in any way.

“Focus on your joy and love to dance. Stop comparing yourself with others, even if you are a competitive dancer. Learn to focus on your own dancing and nothing else should matter.”

Lastly, she advised dancers not to sweat the small stuff.

“If you think you look not well, you got a pimple, you gain weight or you are too skinny, just work on making yourself a better person, the person you want to be, but do it with pure joy and gratitude for making these changes for yourself.”

apost.com

What do you think of Tom’s dance moves? Do you have any hobbies or skills you think you’ll keep enjoying in your old age? Let us know, and pass this on to all the family and friends who love to cut a rug!