At 58, I never imagined I’d be competing in ballroom dance—let alone winning. But here we are. Estraletta, my fantastic wife, planted the seed. Dancing had always been her dream, not mine. I was reluctant. But love sometimes pulls us in beautiful directions. We began ballroom dancing in our late 40s. What started as a “yes” to her dream quickly became one of the most enriching adventures of my life.
We joined the Oklahoma Senior Games in 2024 and trained intensely—2 to 3 times a week. We worked with two fantastic studios: Darin at 3Sixtys for rhythm and Kate at Shall We Dance in OKC for smooth. The work was demanding, but success never comes without effort.
In November, we competed in 14 ballroom dance events at Dance Makers Studio, including the Rumba, Tango, Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, and Salsa. We placed first in all 14 events and earned three gold medals in our categories. That’s not just success—that’s commitment turned to gold.
What made this even more special? We were the only Black couple in many of our dance circles. Still, we found a community that welcomed us warmly. The dance floor doesn’t care what you look like—it celebrates who you are.
Additionally, we were invited to perform at the Oklahoma Senior Games Award Ceremony in Tulsa later that month. From a simple hobby to a golden platform, this journey has shown us the power of perseverance and passion.
To every senior who thinks it’s “too late” to learn something new: Don’t believe that lie. You can grow, move, inspire—and even dance for a new purpose.
