71-Year-Old Welsh Ballroom Dancer Surprised to Appear in Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’ Music Video

Denise Sides, a 71-year-old ballroom dancer and teacher from Wrexham, Wales, recently shared her astonishing experience of being cast in Taylor Swift’s music video for the song ‘Opalite,’ from the album The Life of a Showgirl. Sides, who has been dancing for 60 years and runs Dens Dance Studio, applied for extra work through an agency for an ‘unknown artist.’ She was shortlisted and later informed she was personally selected by the artist from hundreds of applicants, but the identity remained secret until the day of filming in November 2025. Transported discreetly to the set, Sides only learned it was Taylor Swift when the singer introduced herself just ten minutes before shooting began. As a self-described Swiftie, Sides was thrilled and shocked. The 90s-inspired rom-com style video, directed by Swift, recreates a dance competition scene and features cameos from celebrities like Domhnall Gleeson, Lewis Capaldi, Greta Lee, and a voiceover by Cillian Murphy—all linked to Swift’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show. Sides wore her own royal blue ballroom dress from 1988, which Swift complimented. Throughout the shoot, Swift was described as professional, kind, and clear in her directions, putting everyone at ease. The video was released earlier in February 2026, leaving Sides ‘gobsmacked’ to see herself in it. She kept the secret until release, sharing only with close family and some dance students. Sides hopes her story inspires others, especially older adults, to pursue dancing, emphasizing that age is no barrier. Beyond teaching, she runs inclusive workshops for people with disabilities and continues to dance passionately.