Joy and Eric Foxley have been dancing their whole life, and aren’t planning on stopping anytime soon.
Joy Foxley, 89, dances as part of a group called the ‘Greenwood step clog’, and was performing for passers by at the ‘Ay up’ market in Nottingham city centre on March 29.
The ‘Ay Up’ Market is an annual celebration of Nottingham’s rich culture and history, giving local businesses and artisans a platform to showcase their products in the heart of the city.
Speaking on her love of dancing, Joy said: “It is so important to keep moving around and doing stuff, even if you don’t feel like it
“dancing is a social thing, it keeps us moving and gets those endorphins flowing.”
She added: “The younger generation are so worried and self conscious that their friends will see them doing something silly
“we live once, you get one go round and that is it, enjoy it.”
The ‘Ay up’ market in Nottingham city centre
The Greenwood step clog have been dancing as a group since 1974, and practice in the meadows area of Nottingham.
Eric Foxley, 89, has been playing the accordion since he was 12 years old.
Reflecting on his passion for dancing and playing the accordion, Eric said: “I used to dance when I was fitter, but I began playing the accordion when my mother gave me one to play at a folk dancing club she ran
“I fell in love with it and have been playing ever since
“I remember once, I was at this posh dinner with the Chinese Minister of education, and they asked me to play for them, it was a beautiful moment.”
Eric told me he has worked in 21 different countries, and is now a part time mathematics lecturer at the University of Nottingham.
Speaking on his past, Eric said: “China is a wonderful place, but it has changed tremendoulsy
The ‘Greenwood step clog’ dance group
“Travelling for work is so much better than travelling as a tourist, you see the place for what it is.”
On the subject of his health, Eric said: “Being in hospital makes you appreciate the small things.”
Eric told me he holds the record for having the highest number of cancers simultaneously at Nottingham city hospital.
Joy and Eric have been married for 65 years, and plan on dancing for as long as they are “physically able” to.
Both believe it is vital to stay active in old age, and passionately urge others of a similar age to do the same.
There really is no secret to it, get the blood pumping and the feet moving
