WHEATON – As he approaches his 90th birthday, Winfield resident George Zima is not ready to hang up his dancing shoes anytime soon.

Zima continues to teach tap dancing twice a week for the Wheaton Park District, moves that he used during his 14-year Broadway career.

"I've been very fortunate," Zima said while reflecting on his Broadway career. "It's not so much what I've done but all the people I've met along the way. So I wanted to share that with other people and encourage folks to learn how to dance."

Zima will share some of his stories from his Broadway career during "Memoirs of a Broadway Hoofer," which will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Wheaton Park District Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton.

Admission is $5, and registration is required. To register, call 630-665-1415.

Zima started dancing when he was 8 years old. His sister, Mickey, taught him how to dance.

Later on, the two formed a vaudeville duo that performed at vaudeville theaters and supper clubs. The act broke up after Mickey got married.

Film and stage choreographer Michael Kidd gave Zima his first break when he cast him in the 1956 Broadway musical "Li'l Abner," which won a Tony award for best choreography.

"He liked what I did because I did the acrobatic stuff," Zima said. "And one [Broadway] show followed another."

Famed choreographer, director, dancer and theater producer Jerome Robbins offered him a part as a dancing cow in the Broadway show "Gypsy," starring Ethel Merman.

"He told me that I was too old to be one of the boys and that the only thing he could offer me was a dancing cow," Zima said.

That role, however, opened up more doors for Zima, including being booked on the children's television show "Captain Kangaroo" and his appearance as the character Pete the Street Sweeper on another children's show, "Sesame Street."

"That cow opened up the door," Zima said.

Zima, who will turn 90 in December, said he doesn't feel old. He draws inspiration from the legendary Dick Van Dyke, who will turn 91 in December.

Zima saw him perform in June at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove. Although the two didn't get to talk, Zima said he did receive a phone call a few days later from Van Dyke.

"We had a nice conversation," Zima said. "We talked about five minutes. We talked about people we knew. I'm looking forward to getting an autographed photo of him for my 90th birthday."

Zima has an autographed copy of Van Dyke's 2015 book, "Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging."

"That inspired me, and I would like to inspire other people to keep moving," he said.

In addition to dancing, Zima also sings with the Downers Grove-based West Towns Chorus and the Wheaton Park District's Silvertones Chorus. He also acts occasionally with Wheaton Drama.

Just as his enthusiasm for dancing has not waned, Zima loves seeing the enthusiasm of his dance students as they practice the steps he has taught them.

"Their enthusiasm brushes off on me," he said.

A group of his students formed a dance group called Step In Time Dancers that performs for the Wheaton Park District.

"They're all seniors," Zima said. "They use my steps, but they make up their own routines and they're very clever. They're good performers."

Linda Dolan, manager of the Wheaton Park District's Mary Lubko Center, said his students are grateful to be learning from a professional.

"There's a huge difference between someone who just teaches and someone who actually has the performing nuances," Dolan said. "He's a wonderful instructor. He gives it his all. And they work hard. It's a very aerobic class. People are tired when they leave here. It's a great workout."

Dolan is not surprised that Zima is not ready to give up his dancing shoes.

"He's like the Energizer Bunny," she said. "He just keeps going."

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If you go

What: "Memoirs of a Broadway Hoofer"
When: 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 29
Where: Wheaton Park District Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton
Cost: $5
Info: Registration is required. To register, call 630-665-1415.