FIVE THINGS you should know about DANCESPORT before signing on.
What I learned as a guy who loves to dance but never took a lesson until DanceSport.
1. GUYS - dancing IS a CONTACT sport. Yes, CONTACT WITH; focus, physical coordination, leading w/out talking, linking body & mind to music, challenging your "macho" to embrace mistakes to learn & improve. Last but not least: contact with Fun. Yes Fun !, lots of it. Being a social dancer, these were just some of the take-a-ways being a student at DanceSport.
2. YOU DON'T HAVE to be GOOD - believe me. My wife and I had our first lesson April 19, 2016 with the idea of taking maybe (5) or so lessons. The goal was to eliminate the times (on the dance floor) that I embarrassed her (and others) in social settings, like weddings and parties. Mission not quite yet accomplished. That's on me - not DanceSport. We've all been there.
Thanks to our coach, TERESA TRAVIS, the sessions went by so fast, as we learned East & West Coast Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha,& others. More on Teresa later. Although my wife was happy with (10) sessions; I am still going some (30) sessions later.
3 The instructors/coaches are amazingly QUALIFIED & APPROACHABLE. They are friendly, and not intimidating despite being professionals and world-traveled. During a session; owner SCOTT LAZAROV would come over, extend a firm handshake, (Scott was a former collegiate wrestler); compliment my progress; even demonstrate with Teresa a particular move. AIDEEN O'MALLEY was equally as nice, always saying hi. Not to mention, when they dance with each other - what an impressive show, and motivation to keep improving.
4. DanceSport is flexible & accommodating to meet my schedule: When work conflicted, they were prompt in responding by email or telephone requests to reschedule. That is a big deal to me.
5. The atmosphere is WARM and FRIENDLY: Coming from work, it is a great change of pace, just to be there and see the different students, groups, young & old, competitive or social. Learning & having fun. All are friendly and most will strike up a conversation upon eye contact.
HAVING NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE; I had done a reasonable amount of research before selecting DanceSport. If it didn't work out, I was resolved to just find another (studio). Needless to say, absolutely no need for a plan "B".
FINALLY, I cannot close without a special recognition to our coach, TERESA TRAVIS. An amazing young lady who is patient, positive, and persistent in getting us to improve.
Bright, observant, and willing to share her enormous knowledge and passion for dance. She captured our attention with "right on" humorous "teaching points" that will be with me whenever I dance. Just a sampling:
"Lead your Lady... pretend you are gently pushing a Shopping Cart !!"
"Nick ! Your yanking your lady's arms - slow down." "Tension, keep tension, use your hip flexors, not your triceps & biceps."
"Open palms, no claws, keep your fingers out of your lady's back !"
"Don't let your lady get away from you and go to China !"
"Stay home, don't go crazy - Don't flap your arms like wings !"
"No Free lancing" Teresa's polite way of saying I'm out of control."
"Move your Feet like you're pulling Taffy." (Argentine Tango)
"You gotta know the rules to break the rules".. another polite way of saying I'm out of control and not ready for the next level !
You will notice guys, all of the comments were directed at me, as my wife chuckled. Teresa's skillful, refreshing, delightful and (for me) - calming way of making me the best (dance) leader I can be. Isn't that what we want while having FUN on the FLOOR ?
Nick Cirilli read more