Sharon Folkner: Dancer. Dreamer. Doer.

There’s a light in Sharon Folkner that radiates pure joy—a sparkle that says, “Life isn’t over at 50… or 60… or even 66. In fact, it might just be getting started.”

Sharon is living proof that you are never too old to reinvent yourself, fall in love with life again, and cha-cha your way into a whole new chapter.

Back in the disco days, Sharon was the first one on the dance floor—dancing the night away like no one was watching. But like so many women, life eventually pulled her in other directions. Motherhood, work, responsibilities… and dancing became something that only happened in the kitchen—just her, the refrigerator, and the beat of an old memory.

Then, at 57, something sparked. She met a ballroom dance instructor at a party and something deep within her said, why not? Fast forward nine years and Sharon is now stepping into the spotlight, performing the cha-cha in a real dance show. She’s discovered a truth she loves to share: “A body in motion stays in motion. So just do something. Keep moving, no matter your age.”

But Sharon’s transformation didn’t begin on the dance floor. It started with a courageous decision to take her health into her own hands. After giving birth to three children, Sharon found herself at 243 pounds and 5’4”—exhausted, uncomfortable, and weighed down by more than just physical weight. She tried every diet you can imagine—pills, shots, starvation, low-fat, low-carb, you name it. Nothing worked long-term.

Then a friend told her about lap band surgery. Sharon qualified, took the leap, and changed her life. She lost 100 pounds and has kept it off for more than a decade. “Best decision I ever made,” she says.

Sharon’s story isn’t just one of transformation—it’s one of rediscovery.

A self-taught artist, Sharon first picked up a pencil during childhood, sketching away while Lawrence Welk played in the background. Years later, she was asked to help paint nursery rooms at her church—and with brush in hand, her creativity found new life. That small yes led to murals in homes and local art shows, and today, Sharon dreams of turning her passion into a full-time career.

She’s not done dreaming, either. With Scottish and German roots, she has her heart set on traveling to her ancestral homelands—maybe even staying in a castle or two. And as for dancing? “I want to be good enough to compete,” she says, eyes twinkling.

If she could whisper something into the ears of her younger self, it would be this: “Don’t live for others and their opinions. Do things that make you happy. Visit more. Laugh more. Travel more. Regret is the heaviest burden at the end of life—so start now.”

Sharon’s story reminds us that age is just a number, and it’s never too late to start again, dream big, or hit the dance floor in sparkling heels. Her life is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and radiant possibility.

And to that we say—keep dancing, Sharon. The world is watching and we’re cheering you on.

Are you a woman over 50? We’d love to invite you to join the 50 Over 50 Project! Together we can change the narrative on aging - showing the unique beauty, wisdom and power that can only be attained by living life! CLICK HERE for more information and to join the ProAge movement!