Ballroom Dancing in PE, Sep’2007

So, I’ve joined my passion with my job and am about to follow Tony Banderas (movie: Take The Lead) into the netherworld of teaching teens and kids Ballroom Dancing. Last year, I was amazed to see 10-yr olds change from ‘yuck, hold hands?’ to ‘wow, dancing is fun!’ in a few short weeks. I beamed as grunge-wearing 12-yr olds turned scowls into smiles by their 2nd dance class. I held back tears when ‘lippy’ teen-aged guys politely asked a girl for a dance.

We called it ‘Kids In Motion’ (for pre-teens), and ‘DanzKool’. Teachers loved it. They’re learning something really useful, some said. Others said, They’ve become such gentlemen/ladies; or, They’re so engaged in class it’s amazing. One parent even told a story, [My son] tries to hide it but I catch him practicing his steps before bedtime.

Last year, we covered Diefenbaker Elementary, Stoney Creek Elementary, L’Ecole Bilingue (French immersion school), Strathcona Elementary, Clayton Heights Highschool, Elgin Park Highschool and Point Grey Highschool. Over 2000 teens, kids and teachers across Greater Vancouver learned Salsa, Cha Cha, Jive, Swing, Fox Trot, and Waltz. This year, I want to document the progress. Add Tango, too. Maybe a video or two if I can get someone to do it. Heck, why not put a couple of lessons up for eyeballs, too?

Who’s out there that’s interested in hearing about my trials and tribulations? Who are you? What do you want to see? Why?

– Danzman
P.S. Photos courtesy of Mike Lee

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