My experience at Elegant Dancing has been amazing since I started January 2022. The first impression in entering the studio is from Jim who manages scheduling along with Ron (who I often enjoy taking classes with)- Jim takes time to explain all options, and has been known to help out with dental insurance, car repairs, and probably anything from real estate to vacation planning.... Edwin's skill made me feel I could dance Argentine Tango the first time I danced it with him, leading to many classes with Edwin and Lynda. I love his spontaneous laughter and passion. I have been in awe watching Edwin and Lynda dance together as they float across the floor and add grace and beauty to every performance! Michelle was one of the first instructors I took group classes with, and her humor made me feel comfortable as a new dancer, helping me grasp dances I had never tried. She is a delight to watch in every showcase with her playfulness and creativity! Malin's precise focus on every dance move enabled me for the first time to create beauty with arm movements and crafting a dramatic approach. I have watched her dance on video repeatedly to inspire myself and hone my style! Mariel is the instructor I have taken the most classes from, and she introduced me to almost every dance for the first time. Her ability to explain basics to beginners is excellent, and I have enjoyed getting to know her playful side at Javier/Mariel karaoke nights--her skill at baking spectacular cupcakes could be a side career for her. Belinda has brought phenomenal skill to the studio with her Latin dance, and she also has a beautiful singing voice! Javier, like each instructor, moves proficiently from one dance to another across a spectrum of styles. Javier has worked with me in a few private lessons on elements of frame and posture that have given me confidence to accurately follow the lead, and have helped me beautify style and technique. Along with Mariel, I have enjoyed getting to know Javier on playful dance/karaoke nights, and he has a side skill at being able to sing beautifully! Alex introduced me to the magical world of West Coast Swing. His methodology for teaching is concrete and logical, and he builds a foundation with clarity and repetition. He is brilliant at group classes and I anticipate expanding skill in West Coast Swing. The addition of Maria in West Coast Swing classes has clarified each aspect of the follower steps with her clear teaching, and I have loved watching the two of them introduce fun dances to the studio like the Peabody.
Perhaps no one has impacted my dancing more than Lukas Klotzsche. I started private lessons with Lukas a little over a year ago, before taking any group classes. I came in with almost no experience in dancing, and I have no natural sense of rhythm or timing. Lukas patiently worked with me on every basic point, including frame, posture, steps, hand connections, and how to precisely connect with the lead to create a beautiful, unified movement. He helped me craft a way forward, even though I have changed direction at times as I have discovered new dances about which I am passionate, or explored different musical styles. He began working with me on Tango from the start, and gave me the incredible gift of being not only my patient instructor, but my dance partner in my first ever performance at the end of January, an American Tango. This is something I would not have imagined just 18 months ago! His blend of accuracy and clarity, blended with kindness, laughter, and passion for dance, have inspired me and created a profound adventure that is hard to capture in words!
Finally, I want to highlight the spectacular Chris Thompson, owner and initiator of this studio! It took me months to gain enough skill to attend Chris's group classes, but I have been thrilled to work on Waltz, Tango, and Rumba with Chris! Chris sets the threshold for tone, hiring the highest-quality instructors, and creating a welcoming environment and expertise in every way. Thank you, Chris and Elegant Dancing staff! read more