As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, NBA players, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

Hattie Retroage. Age: 75 (76 this May)

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

I attended Performing Arts High School as a Drama major. When, as a teen-ager, I was introduced to dance, I became inspired to become a dancer. I chose Martha Graham as a role model, for her beauty and her creativity. Also at that time, I took up the style of a gorgeous voice and diction teacher, Mrs. Provet, and she became my role model of a beautiful, mature woman. I copied her style of dress and her beautiful enunciation.

3. What did they do to inspire you?

Martha Graham inspired me by being a famous dancer and choreographer who performed on stages throughout the world. She also designed the costumes and was able to get major artists to paint and construct her sets. (Naguchi)
I was particularly mived by her courage to perform up until her 60’s!

4. How did their lesson change your life?

Martha’s artistry and success taught me that with perseverence and passion, I could become a powerful contribution to Humanity, and enjoy a successful life, filled with adventure and joy.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

I co-founded Manhattan’s School For Creative Movement where I taught thousands of students (from 1962-1984) the joys of dance and the courage to pursue their life passion. I also taught dance at Brown University’s female division, Pembroke College, bringing consciousness of life-long fitness to my students.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

A healthy lifestyle assures that you can be in touch with the deepest aspects of yourself and not be pulled off course by weakness, illness, and discouragement. Having good health and being fit are the important things you can do for your life. As you age, the benefits of having taken great care of your self, will pay off, giving you the possibility of a long, healthy, vital life.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

My web page is: holisticallyhattie.com