Dancing with Taylor Swift: A 71-Year-Old Ballroom Dancer's Surprise Experience
A 71-year-old ballroom dancer from Wrexham, Denise Sides, had a surprising experience when she was chosen to appear in a Taylor Swift music video. Sides, who has been dancing for 60 years and teaches ballroom dancing classes, auditioned for an unnamed artist and was selected for a top-secret job without knowing it was for Taylor Swift. The experience was kept under wraps until just ten minutes before filming began, when Swift herself revealed her identity to Sides.
Sides was selected by Swift out of hundreds of applicants for the video, which was a 90s-inspired rom-com called Opalite. The video featured a dance competition scene and was directed by Swift. Sides, a self-proclaimed Swiftie, was thrilled to work with the singer and was impressed by Swift's talent and kindness during filming. She wore a royal blue ballroom dancing outfit that she had owned since 1988, and Swift even complimented her on it.
The video, released earlier this month, also featured other celebrities like Domhnall Gleeson, Lewis Capaldi, and Greta Lee. Sides found it hard to keep the experience a secret and only shared it with a few people. Despite her extensive dancing and acting background, Sides considered the shoot with Swift to be the most significant of her career. She hoped that her experience would inspire others to try dancing, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue your passion.
In addition to running her dance studio since the 1990s, Sides hosts inclusive workshops for individuals with disabilities. Dancing is her happy place and passion, and she continues to share her love for dance with others. The experience of being chosen by Taylor Swift for the music video was one that Sides will never forget, and she remains grateful for the opportunity to work with the global superstar.