North Geelong resident Lois Pearce is looking forward to cutting a rug at the Leopold Hall for her birthday this year.
Having been involved in ballroom dancing since she was 15 years old, Mrs Pearce could think of no more fitting way to celebrate turning 100 earlier this month.
“I just love dancing, I love meeting people, I love being with people,” she said.
“For a long time now, I’d think, will I make it (to 100)? And now (the birthday dance) is coming up, it keeps me awake at night thinking about it.
“I’ve had so many people popping in and out, bringing me all these lovely flowers. It’s all been a nice surprise, and I think to myself, well, it was worth getting to 100.”
Having grown up the only sister to five brothers in Rokewood, Port Fairy and Geelong, Mrs Pearce has been an active dancer and sportswoman her whole life.
“We were all a sporty lot at our house, and all into music,” she said.
“We had lots of fun, never really sitting down or going to sleep like I occasionally do now. The only time I ever sat down was for meals.”
The Leopold Hall are opening their regular Saturday night dance to the public for a free event to celebrate Mrs Pearce’s centenary.
“I think people love Lois because of her personality,” Leopold Hall dance organiser and former president Kevin Smith said.
“We just want to make it a good, memorable night for Lois, that’s all we’re aiming for. If people would like to come along, they’re most welcome to do so.”
The celebration at Leopold Hall begins at 7.30 on Saturday 28 February.
