An elderly couple from Germany who love dancing have been spreading joy to the world for decades through their shared passion. Dancing has not only helped them stay healthy but also brought them closer together.
In an interview with Epoch Times, 71-year-old Nellia Ehrentraut shared that they have been dancing together for 54 years. Throughout their journey in the world of dance, the couple has experienced many beautiful moments and they believe that in today’s world, dancing can bring vitality and joy to those in need of happiness.
“If everyone danced more, the world would surely be a better place. Dance broadens your horizons and eliminates borders and prejudices – everyone is a member of the dance family,” Mrs. Ehrentraut said.
Residing in Durmersheim, Germany, the love story of the Ehrentraut couple began in 1968 when Mrs. Ehrentraut, then only 15 years old, met her future husband Dietmar, who was 21 years old – where else but on the dance floor.
In 1970, the couple tied the knot, and in 1979, after their children were 10 and 11 years old, they reignited their passion for dancing. They started with rock ‘n’ roll classes as a shared interest, which eventually led them to the world of boogie dancing, a style they still cherish to this day.
“Boogie dance allows for improvisation and free interpretation of music, unlike traditional ballroom dances,” Mrs. Ehrentraut recalled.
Their dedication to dancing has earned them numerous accolades in global dance competitions, including four Austrian championships, one German championship, and a second-place finish at the 1999 World Cup, among other honors.
Their dance journey has taken them around the world, exploring the music scene of the ’40s and ’50s, and forming friendships with like-minded individuals at music concerts and festivals globally. Mrs. Ehrentraut fondly remembers encountering swing dance legends such as Frank Manning and Jean Veloz.
In 2017, a dance video of the couple from Bavaria went viral, garnering over 65 million views. This attention even caught the eye of British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who invited them to be part of the dance section in his music video “Put It All On Me.”
Born in the Austrian town of Schruns, Mrs. Ehrentraut and her husband Mr. Ehrentraut, born in Bludenz just 8 miles away, have found love and connection through dance, which remains a cherished part of their lives.
For them, dancing is not just a physical activity but a way to deepen their bond as a couple. Mrs. Ehrentraut emphasized that dancing together has greatly benefited their 54-year-long marriage.
Their dance journey has not been without challenges, Mrs. Ehrentraut admitted. She shared that occasional frustrations are normal, but it’s essential not to let those feelings dominate the dance floor. Dancing has been their coping mechanism for challenges in daily life, helping them keep stress and emotional fluctuations in check and minimizing age-related concerns.
Maintaining physical fitness is key for them to keep up with the fast-paced nature of dances like boogie. They engage in two fitness and dance training sessions per week, along with biking and hiking, without adhering to strict dieting because “life is too short to miss out on the good things.”
The couple enjoys sharing the joy of dance through various platforms, including Mrs. Ehrentraut’s YouTube channel @SwingNellia. The positive feedback and heartwarming messages they receive from around the world on their dance videos never fail to bring them happiness.
For older individuals looking to start learning dance, Mrs. Ehrentraut offers some simple advice: It’s never too late to begin. Seize the moment, give yourself a chance, because that’s what life is all about!
“This has been a wonderful journey we have shared together. Don’t let anyone stop you from meeting others, spreading positive energy to the world, even if it’s just through a dance. In this day and age, we need this positive energy more than ever.”