If it weren't for dancing, Terry To would probably be a fat guy with a big belly, busy with his hairstyling business, while Lily Lee, with her slim figure, would likely be a housewife revolving around her children and engaging with daily activities of shopping, cooking, and cleaning.

On the day of the interview, the two of them were dressed in sharp attire. Terry wore a tailored tuxedo, while Lily wore a vibrant peach-colored long dress. Her hairstyle and headgear were meticulously arranged by Terry. It turned out that after the interview, the couple had an "activity" to attend - they were invited to perform their signature standard dance at their friend’s birthday party.

The couple has been learning dance since their teenage years, and they have experienced different stages of development in danceSport together. They transitioned from the 20s age group to the 30s, 40s, 50s, and this year they have reached the age to participate in the 60-64 age category. Eager to showcase their skills in the new age group, they currently rank first in the ranking competition organized by the DanceSport Association of Hong Kong, China.

Dancing energizes the couple

Excluding the years dedicated to raising their children, the couple has been active in danceSport in Hong Kong for over forty years. When they were young, dancing was their passion, and competitions brought them joy. It is easy to understand their love for dance in their younger days, but to remain unchanged for decades and still maintain a passion for standard dance at their age is nothing easy. One might wonder where their energy comes from.

Terry, with his physique remains static, said, "We started dancing in our teens and have always maintained a certain level of physical activity. Even if we took a break for over a decade and came back to compete, we don't feel tired. During competition, we proceed from one round to another without feeling exhausted." Terry thanks his older brother for opening the door to dance. “I have many siblings in the family, and I am the youngest. When my older brother started dancing, I just followed him. When he competed, I joined in as well. At that time, I thought winning competitions was impressive, and the costumes were stylish too."

Enjoy learning something new

"However, the standards now take on a different level compared to the past. In the past, it was more about improvisation and relying on your own feeling during competitions. If we still had this mindset, we would probably be knocked-out in the first round," added Lily. "We maintain a thirst for learning new things. The more new things we learn, the more we enjoy it. Sometimes when we come across new moves online, we immediately study them and practise together."

Not only does danceSport provide the couple with a shared hobby to enjoy as they age, but it also contributes to their healthy physique. Terry reflected, "I used to have many illnesses and pains. Owing to congenital malnutrition, I had always been in poor physical condition. However, since I started dancing, I had engaged in a significant amount of physical activity each day, which gradually strengthened my body."

Encourage seniors to dance 

Lily further said, "DanceSport may help prevent dementia. We have to remember all the dance steps while listening to the beat, coordinating our movements and footwork. It keeps your brain constantly engaged. I highly recommend seniors to participate." It's no wonder that the couple is still going to the dance studio to train and learn every night regardless of any circumstances, truly enjoying their endless journey of learning.

This December, various world-class, Asian and local danceSport competitions will be staged in Hong Kong. The two post-60s danceSport athletes express their excitement and said, "We very much look forward to this. We are never afraid of competitions; we only feel excited and happy. Each major competition motivates us to practise harder, hoping for a good performance then."

Asian Senior DanceSport Championship-Hong Kong 2023

Organised by: DanceSport Association of Hong Kong, China

Date：18-29.12.2023

Venue：Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Ticketing: URBTIX (Sale date to be announced)

Event Highlights：

1）18.12.2023 - WDSF World Championship Adult Formation Latin - Hong Kong 2023*

2）20-27.12.2023 - DSA Asian Single Dance Championship - Hong Kong 2023*

3）29.12.2023 – Asian Senior DanceSport Championship-Hong Kong 2023*

* Subvented by the Arts and Sport Development Fund from Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and supported by Leisure and Cultural Services Department