Avril Kayser who turned 100-years-old on Saturday celebrated with her children, from left, Nadine Burns, Alwyn Hirsch and Grant Kayser, as well as other family and friends.
Image: supplied
Avril Kayser, a dancer, an artist, and avid golfer, believes the secret to a fulfilling life is exercise.
At 100 years old, she has only started to slow down, yet she embraces every opportunity to stay active, living life in style and glamour, with an undeniable zest.
The Anchusa Court retirement home resident celebrated her 100th birthday in the company of family and friends at her granddaughter’s home in Higgovale on Saturday March 15.
Born in Durban, Ms Kayser started dancing at the age of 4 and dreamt of becoming a prima ballerina.
“I was a little star in Durban. I used to perform as a kid at the Durban Jewish Club for the parties there. My dad was also a dancer and he used to play the piano by ear. We once danced in a concert together. He sang and then we did a slow shuffle dance on the stage together,” Ms Kayser said.
Ms Kayser was sent to London to study dance at the tender age of 10. Her intentions of joining the Royal Ballet School were dashed by the outbreak of World War II. However, she still cherishes her two trophy cups, one won as the All England Dance cup champion in 1939, and another for a competition in Blackpool.
As a talented painter and sculptor, Ms Kayser has held two exhibitions in her lifetime and recalls attending art school with her cousin, the internationally acclaimed artist William Kentridge, from whom she gained invaluable input.
At age 15, Ms Kayser caught up with her schooling at a technical college in the mornings and taught dance at a dance studio in the afternoon.
After meeting her first husband at 17, Ms Kayser married at 18. They moved to Illovo, Johannesburg, where she continued dance instructing under her own studio, the Avril Kentridge Studio of Dancing.
The mother of three says her greatest joy has been her children. She speaks fondly of her three children, Nadine Burns, Alwyn Hirsch and Grant Kayser, her five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
“My eldest daughter and son are in their 70s and my youngest son is in his 60s, they are all senior citizens now,” Ms Kayser chuckles.
The decision to move to Cape Town a few years ago was driven by her desire to get to know her grandchildren who live here. She now enjoys Sabbath dinner with her grandson and his family, every Friday in Sea Point, and Sunday lunches with her son and granddaughter’s family.
“I don't feel like a hundred. I can't believe it but I'm a good hundred. I've had so much fun in my life. I've lived different lives and I've had a very full, wonderful life.”
"I’ve always had a hobby. I haven’t always had a hubby," she adds mischievously, reflecting on the life she’s lived. Still incredibly active, Ms Kayser enjoys all her hobbies, she exercises every morning, dances whenever she can, and regularly wins at bridge.
Although she has just stepped down from teaching a gym class for the senior residents at the home, she continues to attend the gym class and participates in all their organised activities.
Avril Kayser in the company of her grandchildren, from left, back row, Gary Bieber, Mandy Bieber, Jodi Bieber, seated, Kim Horwitz, Ms Kayser and Taryn Hirsch.
Image: supplied
Avril Kayser, who dedicated her life to dance, still cherishes two trophy cups she won while studying dance in the UK.
Image: Janice Matthews
A photo of Avril Kayser, dressed as Josephine Baker from her years of dancing, sits in her room at her retirement home in Meadowridge.
Image: supplied
A picture of young Avril Kayser of when she performed at the Jewish Club in Durban.
Image: supplied
A sculpture made by Avril Kayser.
Image: Janice Matthews