Pasadena 99-year-old ballerina teacher still going strong

A 99-year-old ballerina from Sierra Madre once performed all over the world and for the last 25 years, she's been teaching ballet at the Pasadena Dance Theater.

Helga de Kansky is as sharp as ever and still light on her feet. "I'm surprised that I'm 99 because I don't really feel 99," she said.

She started dancing at 6 years old in Depression era Kansas, was trained in New York, and then made a name for herself as a professional ballerina who graced some of the biggest stages in the world.

"I just love dancing. It's what I really like to do," de Kansky said.

She gave up touring to become a wife, mother of four and eventually a grandmother of six. But somehow, she always found her way back to her first love, dance.

De Kansky makes her way to the Pasadena Dance Theater twice a week to teach ballet to dancers of all skill levels.

"She's very creative. All of her combinations and choreography is always new and fresh," student Oksana Sanderfur said. "We all try to keep up with her, and sometimes it's hard to keep up with the 99-year-old even at 30 or 40 or 50."

De Kansky's family says a bout with pneumonia, which landed her in the hospital, has slowed her down a bit. But as she gets ready to turn 100 in December, de Kansky says she has no plans to hang up her ballet shoes just yet.

"I look forward to living as long as possible, and being able to make life worth it," de Kansky said.