Angela Rippon says it is ‘never too late’ to start dancing and reap its benefits
The broadcaster launched the Let’s Dance campaign last year following her time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon has said it is “never too late” to start dancing and has championed its ability to help people “grow old and well”.
The broadcaster launched the Let’s Dance campaign following her time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, encouraging people to dance as a way to stay in shape.
Speaking at the campaign launch event on Saturday in central London, the 81-year old emphasised the benefits of dancing in later life.
She told the Press Association: “It is never too late to start dancing.
“In fact, if you are an older person who goes to dance classes, you will find that one of the most important things it will do is help prevent falls, which is one of those things that does affect people as we get older, because it strengthens your core, it improves your balance, your coordination, and it strengthens your legs, all of which are important to enable you to grow old and well.
“We don’t have to grow old and be doddery. We can grow old and continue to do many of the things that we did when we were in our 50s and our 60s, and dance would certainly help you to do that.”
Rippon, who was partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing, said her time on the show inspired her to launch the initiative after being the oldest contestant in the show’s history at 79.
More than 22,000 dance teachers got involved in the campaign last year with a host of events held at community centres, dance clubs, studios and hospitals with the aim of getting people moving and dancing together.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has backed the Let’s Dance campaign for its positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing and ability to also reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses.
Rippon added: “As you get older, moving to music is one of the most important things you could do for your body because dance has proven to be in all the exercises that are available to you, whether you go to a gym, whether you do weights, whether you do Parkruns or whatever, dance is the one exercise that moves every single part of your body when you’re doing it.
“It is brilliant for the health and wellbeing of your body, but also of your mind, because you have to think about what you’re doing.”
Let’s Dance is backed by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the NHS and Parkinson’s UK, and is set to take place next month on March 8, the UK’s national day of dance.
