Student, Teacher Enjoy Ballroom Dancing Lessons

by Paige Jones
4.17.08

While some regard ballroom dancing as classical and outdated, two individuals from PL South find joy in performing. Junior Ali Holton takes ballroom dancing classes at the DC Centre twice a week.

“I watched my parents do it for a year, then I ecided I wanted to try it too,” Holton said.

There are around 20 different types of ballroom dances.

“There is traditional waltzing, but there are lots of Latin dances, too, like chacha and tango,” Holton said. “Tango is my favorite. It’s about two people in a fight dancing, and they don’t look at each other. I like it because it’s really loud.”

Holton has become accustomed to the many different styles.

“There is salsa, tango, samba... It gets to the point where I can just listen to a song and know what steps go with it based on the music,”Holton said.

The DC Centre, where Holton and English teacher Lorraine Feldhausen attend classes, has recently launched a youth program for students in grades 7-12.

“There are about eight people in my class and you just kind of dance with the instructor or whoever is
there,” Holton said.

Lessons can be one-on-one, as a couple or with a group. While Holton learns in a group class, Feldhausen takes a class alone with her husband.

“I had been trying to get my husband to go dancing with me for 30 years and finally for Christmas he bought me ballroom dance lessons,” Feldhausen said. “I just think dancing is romantic and it’s a time for you and your partner to connect.”

Some couples choose to compete with other dancers
at organized events.

“I did a floor show with my instructor,” Holton said. “We made up a tango routine and performed it at a dance party in front of people. Although it wasn’t a competition, it was really fun.”

Feldhausen, like Holton, simply enjoys the time with
others.

“Yes, there are couples who compete, but I just like to do it because it’s time that I get to spend with my husband,” Feldhausen said. “It’s nice to actually get to interact with your partner and not simply sit around and watch TV.”

Feldhausen has gained confidence through her dancing experiences.

“It’s nice to be able to go to a wedding or something and know what you’re doing and not have to pretend,” Feldhausen said. “I think students would enjoy Prom and Homecoming a lot more, too, with real dances.”

Holton is glad she found this activity as a teenager.

“It is definitely something I plan to continue doing in
the future,” Holton said. “I want to eventually be able to enter competitions.”

Both Feldhausen and Holton feel dancing is a good
skill for young people to acquire.

“I like it because it’s fun and you get to meet kids from a bunch of other schools,” Holton said. “It’s always fun to meet new people.”