Home > Sandra had not gone salsa dancing in 55 years. Then a simple conversation on a New York sidewalk brought back something she once loved, complete with a makeover, flowers, music, and a crowded dance floor.
Her return to salsa appears in an episode of the viral social series "Like Old Times," hosted by actor and creator Johnny Gaffney and produced by Snackish Media. The show asks older adults about activities they once loved but have not done in years, then finds a way to bring those experiences back. Sandra's answer gave the team an easy mission. She missed salsa dancing.
Sandra Had Waited 55 Years to Salsa Dance Again
Gaffney / IG / Gaffney approaches Sandra and asks what she used to enjoy but had not done for a long time. Her response comes quickly: “Oh, I miss salsa dancing.”
Gaffney then asks if she would like to go dancing with him that weekend.
Sandra's reaction shows that the invitation catches her off guard. The idea quickly becomes a plan, but Gaffney has one problem of his own. He does not actually know how to salsa dance, so the host arranges a lesson before their night out.
The sweet Instagram video continues to win the hearts of netizens.
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While Gaffney works on his dance steps, Sandra gets ready for the evening with a salon visit. During the process, she shares more of her history with salsa. She says she first went salsa dancing when she was 20 and had not returned to it for roughly 55 years.
Sandra also recalls dancing with her husband. She says he loved dancing, and the couple used to go out together regularly. That history turns the night into something more personal than a fun social media challenge because salsa connects Sandra with an important part of her younger life.
When asked what she loves most about salsa, Sandra gives an answer that captures the spirit of the entire video. She says she loves “moving your body,” while acknowledging that her body has changed over the decades. When Sandra finally sees her finished look, she likes what she sees. “Wow, I look beautiful. Ready to rumble,” she says before heading out.
One Salsa Lesson Was Not Enough to Keep Up With Sandra
Gaffney makes a genuine attempt to dance with Sandra once they reach the floor. He had practiced the basic movements and left his lesson feeling reasonably confident. Actual salsa dancing with an experienced partner quickly proves more challenging.
Meanwhile, Sandra looks completely at home with the music. The video shows her dancing with Gaffney before other, more experienced dancers join her. She dances with multiple partners and also moves on her own, clearly enjoying the chance to return to an activity she had missed for decades.
On their walk afterward, Gaffney admits his limitations. “Okay, I wasn't necessarily the best salsa partner, but I did take you salsa dancing,” he tells her. He then asks the question that gives the series its name.
Was it like old times? Sandra's answer leaves little doubt about how she felt. “Yes, it was magnificent,” she says, adding that she had “a great, great time.” Gaffney hugs her and tells her she is the best.
"Like Old Times" Is Turning Old Memories Into New Experiences
KYM / Sandra's story fits the larger purpose behind "Like Old Times." The social series launched in November 2025 and was created and produced by Vin Nucatola of Snackish Media, with Gaffney serving as host.
It has featured older adults returning to concerts, bowling alleys, dance floors, and other places tied to their younger years.
The concept has received recognition beyond social media. "Like Old Times" was named a 2026 Webby Awards honoree in the Social, Belonging & Inclusion category. The Webby listing credits Snackish Media as the entrant, Nucatola as creator and executive producer, and Gaffney as host.
