Super-gran Sheila Groom is still getting down with the kids by teaching them street dancing to her favourite American rap star Jay-Z – AGED 83.
The twinkle-toed pensioner has been running her own dance school for over six decades and can still body-pop, break dance and moonwalk.
The gran-of-two began dancing at the age of nine when she became inspired by Hollywood legend Shirley Temple.
And more than 60 years on, Sheila still dances 20 hours a week and teaches youngsters half-a-century younger than her how to street dance.
In recognition of her dedication, last week she was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to the art.
Sheila, from Wolverhampton, West Mids., said: “I’ve been recognised in my field before and have received awards for my charity work but to be honoured by an outside body is moving. I was shocked and was very close to tears.
“To be rewarded by Her Majesty is great recognition not only for me but for many people involved with me over the years and I thank them all.
“I had a letter from the Mayor of Wolverhampton congratulating me on award and that was when I started to feel emotional about it all.
“The award will be engraved and then I have a trip to Buckingham Palace for a garden party to look forward to next year.”
Since setting up the Sheila Groom Dance School in Wolverhampton in 1953 the gran has taught thousands of people including her own grandchildren Jessica, 24, and Emily, 21.
Despite accolades for her teaching of ballet, Sheila says her favourite singer to perform to is US rapper Jay-Z.
She said: “I teach all sorts of dance including freestyle and street.
“In my day it was swing music and tap dancing and I am big fan of Fred Astair – I’ve always liked him.
“For more modern music I do listen to Jay-Z he’s very good at what he does and we do use his music to dance to.
“It’s got real energy which is what I love most about dance.”
