A grandmother, who is about to turn 102, has shared her secrets to living a long and happy life.
Dinkie Flowers, from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, owe their longevity to sunshine and daily dancing.
The former professional dancer, who appeared on the hit BBC show The Greatest Dancer aged 98, still teaches students at her own dance school.
Born in 1921 – three years after the end of the First World War – Mrs. Flowers celebrated her 102nd birthday on May 7 with a Ritz-style tea party.
The 101-year-old said she “wouldn’t change a thing” about her remarkable life (pictured celebrating her 100th birthday).
Former professional dancer Mrs Flowers continues to teach students of all ages at her own dance school, Dinkie Flowers Stage School in Shoreham-by-Sea.
The mother-of-one has traveled the world to show off her skills – including Baghdad to dance for the Iraqi royal family. Pictured during her dancing life
Ms Flowers, who has seen five monarchs and 22 prime ministers, shared her secrets, saying: “I can’t stop dancing, you know.
“I recommend dancing and exercising to stay fit and healthy, not to sit all day, I couldn’t do that.
“Dance keeps you alive and dancing and being in the sun makes me happy.”
Talking about her upcoming birthday party, Mrs. Flowers’ caretaker Leslie said: “We do the typical sandwiches, like when you go to the Ritz for afternoon tea – cucumber crust sandwiches, scones, custard tarts, whole afternoon tea style with china cups and real tea.
“A little bit of music and some family and friends, but people tend to put cards in front of her and things like that.”
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She added that Ms. Flowers is “very well known in Shoreham”, having taught “generations here” to dance.
Mrs. Flowers started dancing in 1924 when she was just three years old.
She performed at an ice gala for Prince Philip in 1952, for which she received a royal letter of thanks.
Mrs. Flowers has also traveled the world to show off her skills – including in Baghdad to dance for the Iraqi royal family.
She learned her skills at the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts in London.
After falling in love with skating, she also went skating and dancing around the world.
She was even arrested in Paris in the 1940s for wearing a red romper to perform as it was associated with illegal prostitution at the time.
Ms Flowers said she would not stop “until they take me away in a box”.
She said: “I would advise everyone to start dancing to stay young – for body and soul.
“I go to dance every day in the studio I have at home and I try to get everyone to do the same.
“The work you do keeps your body flexible, lasts much longer and looks much younger.”
She believes it’s “never too late” to start, adding, “You don’t have to go crazy, but it’s good to keep moving your body, bending your knees and things like that.”
Ahead of her 100th birthday in 2021, Ms Flowers completed three 45-minute fitness sessions and three 20-minute walks a week to raise money for NHS Charities Together.
The grandmother-of-four even appeared on hit BBC show The Greatest Dancer (pictured) aged 98 as she worked her way through the audition
Dinkie learned her skills at the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts in London. Pictured during her dancing life
Dinkie then married husband George, who ran the famous Raymond Revue pub in London. He died in 2005, in the photo, together
She said at the time: “What the hell does it matter how old I am? I’m still alive and I’m still strong. It doesn’t matter if I’m 30 or 100!’
Her daughter Sarah even followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a professional dancer.
Ms Flowers, who was once Britain’s only acrobatic skater, said: “Dancing is my life and helping people dance is my life.
“I see people who sit on their bums all day and read, but it’s important to get up and keep moving, I have to be able to do something.”
She was married to George Flowers, who ran the famous Raymond Revue pub in London.
He died in 2005. The couple had a daughter Sarah and four grandchildren.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
