Step into Happiness: Discover the Benefits of Ballroom Dance!

Why did you start dancing?

"I always thought learning to dance with a partner would be amazing, but I was too scared to try something that far out of my comfort zone. Then, when I was 40 (25 years ago) I was basically left at the alter. My heart was broken into a million pieces. My self-esteem was shot and I knew I needed to do something new and different to jolt myself out of my depression...

That's when I finally tried my first ballroom dance lesson. And that was it! I was hooked!"

​​

What's your favorite dance?

"Oh boy that's hard! I've been seriously addicted to so many dance styles: East Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Cha Cha Cha…My favorites now that I'm 65 are probably Rumba, because it's more slow and smooth, and West Coast Swing because it's more smooth and to do it correctly you really have to be 'in your body.'"

​

What's your favorite memory at Dancewise?

"Wow, sooo many!

Oh my gosh, the cheerleading routine with Julianne to "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani and Gilbert playing the banana, the Waltz with Paul to one of my favorite songs in the world, "Show Me" by Big Wild, another Viennese Waltz with Paul and my gorgeous red ball gown. Pretty much EVERYTHING with the Divas Women's Dance Team and the Divas After Dark (especially our chair dance to 'Mein Herr'!)

 

A lot of my favorite memories weren't even on the dance floor. Like when the Divas brought food and joy to mu house after mu knee surgery. It makes me tear up just thinking about it.

 

The reason why it's so hard to pick one favorite memory is all because Julianne and Paul know how to make a business fell like a Family. But, probably my favorite memories come from how filled with gratitude I am for how Julianne and Paul choreograph our solos to push me, but still accommodate my handicaps. I have rods and screws in about 60% of my spine, one ankle is fused and I just got a brand new knee!

 

A couple years ago I told Julianne I wanted to dance in high heels (which I can't even walk in because of the fused ankle) so, we would need to choreograph a dance in chars. That is when our new tradition began. Since then, Julianne has choreographed numerous dances in chairs for me and, even for the Divas. I especially loved my spooky Halloween solo with Julianne to 'Mr. Sandman'. It began with Julianne crawling in from off stage (think The Ring) and me sliding down out of my chair from the audience (friends I was sitting near were SO surprised!) and crawling to center stage where our dance started. The whole thing was so amazing and angst-y! People loved it!

 

Paul is also very compassionate and conscious of things like my fused ankle. He will adapt choreography we're working on, so that if there's something like a dip with a pointed tow, he'll switch the move so that I can do that toe point with my right foot. And even though he knows about my physical limitations, he'll still say, 'You can do it.' Like running backwards during the progressive two-step lesson. 😅"

​

Do you have any advice for other dancers?

"Move your body! And keep moving your body! No matter how old you get...no matter what happens to your body...find a way to keep dancing. Dance through the pain and joy of your life. If you're stuck, it will get unstuck. It will keep you centered. It will keep you moving forward.

 

And, find your 'Dance Family.' Boyfriends, girlfriends, friends and family may disappoint. They may come and go. We humans can be lonely. We need to feel like we belong. But we also need to feel our unique individuality honored. You must find 'your people,' to find a happy heart.

 

So I guess really, one of my most regular favorite memories at DanceWise is...Every time I walk in the door, someone gives me a big smile and says, 'Hi Jane!' And I know I'm home. ♥️"

​

The Student Spotlight of the Month is an opportunity to highlight the wonderful people that make up the Dancewise community. Each month, we'll randomly select one of our students to shine a spotlight on and celebrate their dance journey so far! Thank you Jane for being part of our Dancewise Family!