The illness that drew a couple back to their beloved ballroom

Trophies line the Luqa living room of 79-year-old couple Victor and Celia Markham, who discovered their love for ballroom dancing in their 50s and have lately rekindled their passion – this time as part of their treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. Both were diagnosed with the disease five years ago, after their symptoms started a few days apart. They continued to dance but were forced to stop for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, now, the couple – who have won a number of ballroom competitions and have the trophies to prove it – have gone back to the dance floor. “Dance means everything to me. When I’m sad and I suddenly hear the music, I feel happy inside. It’s everything to me,” says Celia. “We can’t do the jumping and turning anymore so we have to do the waltz but at least we’re moving.” Video: Chris Sant Fournier Her husband adds: “This helps us as we are doing a lot of exercise we don’t do at home. Since we started going back two weeks ago, Celia is getting much better. Celia and Victor Markham were in their 50s when they started ballroom dancing. “We are now meeting people who have Parkinson’s and everyone relates their stories.” Victor is referring to the...