At the age of 86, Sarah (Paddy) Jones is making the salsa great again. Sarah is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest acrobatic salsa dancer.
Born in Stourbridge, England in 1934, Sarah began classical dancing at the tender age of two. She left dance at the age of 22 when she married her husband David. The couple moved to Spain in 2001. Following David’s death in 2003, Sarah took up flamenco dancing. Shortly thereafter, she began the salsa dancing duo ‘Son del Timbal’. Her dance partner Nico is 40 years younger than her.
In 2009, Sarah and Nico won a Spanish nationwide TV talent show. Sarah received global attention and was compared to Susan Boyle. In 2014, Sarah and Nico competed in Britain’s Got Talent. They received a Golden Buzzer and made it straight through to the finals. Unfortunately, Sarah cracked a rib while rehearsing for the final. However, showing the grit that has been a hallmark of her life, she insisted on competing in the final. They came in 9th overall.
In 2019, Sarah and Nico were invited to compete in Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions. They advanced to the finals, thanks to another Golden Buzzer, to be eliminated in the finals.
Sarah continues to compete in salsa dance competition at the highest level, proving once and for all that age is not a barrier to active, sensual movement!
