So we all heard of Dancing with the Stars and I admit that even if it can be a bit on the cheesy side, it is my favorite guilty pleasure.  What I enjoy is not the predictable “reality” show plot but the transformation of non-dancers into sometimes amazing ballroom dancers, the progress however big or small, seeing how many discover the joy of ballroom, and how new friendships are born on the dance floor.  Ballroom dance is accessible to everyone – yes, I’ve heard the excuses: no time, two left feet, no rhythm, my significant other doesn’t want to, etc.  However, like I always say to my 7-year-old nephew when he just dismisses something with a firm “I don’t like it!” – “How do you know if you’ve never tried it?”. 

I started taking lessons as a fun thing to do after work (Knoxville doesn’t have that many options for entertainment and the bar scene was not all that appealing of a pastime).  I registered for a series of seven classes through the University of Tennessee’s outreach program.  At the end of the program, I asked the instructors how I could continue dancing and of course where I could practice.  They pointed me towards USA Dance, the association of amateur ballroom competitors and mentioned several dance studios in town.  The minute I started competing, I was hooked…  The glam, the joy, the travel!  Loved it all (especially when winning – go figure!).  Ever since then I enjoyed meeting and learning from experienced professionals, as well as competing both locally and throughout the country.  Ballroom dancing also gave me something fun to do on Friday nights – you can always find me on the dance floor at the weekly parties.  I enjoyed the knowledgeable but friendly staff and community at one particular studio and this is where I now teach and dance (www.absoluteballroomtn.com). 

I hope you find an urge to stop by and discover how much fun ballroom dance can be!

Oana