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Dear Friends,
Just want to take this opportunity to introduce
myself to you and let you know a little about me. My name is Sean-Christopher, I've been dancing for roughly 15 years and teaching for approximately
10
of those years.
No, I'm not one of those guys who own a studio
and have been in the professional ballroom dancing competition circuit for years
and years.
As a matter of a fact I'm an IT professional by
profession. Yes, some techie guys can dance, too. Even though I am associated
with some competitive ballroom dancers, ballroom dancing in the competition
level was not something I ever got into. Like most guys, I started taking dance
lessons because I was persuaded by a female influence in my life.
Basically I started
taking dance lessons because I wanted to get to know a girl in the dance class!!
I figured whatever it takes? Right guys?
And like most guys I struggled with it for a
while & stepped on my shares of feet. To make a long story short, lo and behold,
two left feet and a little bit of hard work, I became a pretty good dancer.
I guessed through all the people I met who has
a genuine love for the sport, I developed my own passion for Latin, Swing &
Ballroom dancing.
And I soon decided to start teaching my friends
a step or two.
I soon started working for a local ballroom
dancing studio here in Atlanta. Where I was trained in Swing, Waltz, Tango,
Salsa & Merengue to name a few.
As a trainee I was taught by different
instructors on how to break down & teach different dance steps. At the same time
I also learned different techniques and styling so I can dance at different
exhibitions. I learned from some Fred Astaire, & Arthur Murray instructors, as
well as some independent coaches who are actively competing in the professional
ballroom dancing world.
Through the years I had the opportunity to
teach at company parties, banquets, high schools and local colleges around the
area, go on a cruise as a Latin dance instructor. Eventually, I went out on my own and started teaching
private and group lessons.
While working at the dance studio I had the
opportunity to sit in on different dance classes where I was able to observe the
different teaching & dancing styles.
I’ve
always heard that the best way
to learn how to dance is to, well… DANCE!!!
Dance I did… with women young and old, tall and
short, beginner to advance dancers. I was really fortunate to have this
opportunity because I learned how to dance and teach from some great social and
professional dancers without breaking the bank. If you know what I mean..
More importantly, I was able to see for myself
what kind of dance styles and teaching techniques works best for different types
of people. Don't get the wrong idea though...I learn something new about dancing
and teaching just about every time I step on the dance floor.
As a matter of fact I often take group and
private lessons similar to what some of you might take, just so I can observe
how an instructor teach or just simply learn a new style of dancing. One of my
theories is, no one is ever beneath me, I can always learn something from
anyone. I try to past this same mindset to my students.
Learning is after all, a never ending process.
Most recently, I have had the privilege to teach at different local and out of
state Salsa & Bachata Congresses and Festivals, I have met so many different
folks and most of my friends I met through dancing… that is what makes it so
much fun for me.
Anyway...Probably like most
of you, I’m not a natural born dancer... to let you in on a little secret I was
raised a Southern Baptist and dancing is not allowed. I later on realized that
not all dancing is “bad”, but that’s a whole other story.
I probably struggled through
learning this stuff more than an average person would. As a matter of fact, I
went into my first day of dance lessons praying that I won’t step on anyone’s
feet or trip all over myself.
I don't think he heard my
prayers that day or I've been a bad boy because
BOY! OH BOY! ...some feet did some hurt'n that day!!
And they weren't mine!
I also had several
misconceptions, being a guy and all, I thought that dancing, specially latin,
swing, and ballroom is not something a guy does, after all this is the modern
era, these are dances that my parents and grandparents did when they were young,
and how in the world can I learn something I’ve never done before.
Tell you what, if you’re a guy
reading this right now… I will let you in on 3 little secrets if you
promise not to tell anyone else…
- Secret #1
: ladies prefer a guy who knows how to dance
or at least not afraid to learn how to dance.
hint/hint!!
- Secret #2
: Most dance classes usually has.. 4 women
for every 1 guy! You won't believe this but... I usually have
to turn away additional women who wants to sign up for my class
because I don’t have enough guys to go around.
- Secret #3
: Dancing is one of the best ways to build rapport
with women. it's very classy and for you married guys I bet you
anything that you will make your wife's day if you were to take
her out ballroom dancing!!
Forget about ladies night at your local hip hop
dance club!! Why do you think Latin & swing dancing is so popular right now?
Just about every dance club has a swing or Latin night during the week or the
weekend. What was hip back then is now back in style and here to stay!!!
Guys, just give it a chance I promise, you
won’t regret it. I’m living testimony that anyone can learn how to dance
and that you can take it as far as you want to. If you were to tell me 14 years
ago that I will be teaching salsa & cha cha classes and doing dance exhibitions
& entering local dance competitions someday I would’ve thought you were crazy!!
I want to share my experiences with you, calm
your fears, and teach you some fun and exciting steps in Latin, Swing and
Ballroom dancing that is sure to get you on your way to becoming king and
queen of any dance floor.
At the very least I can you show that dancing
is not only fun but a great way to meet new “friends” and if you have all
the friends you need. Dancing can just be another fun activity that you can
enjoy together.
Anyway.. I started Dancing For Fun so I can share
with you the joy of dance like I've experienced and still experiencing in
my life and so have many others around the world, I realized at the age of 17
that Ballroom, Swing, and Latin dancing is for people of all ages.
I mean why just a dinner and a movie on a Friday
night; why not dinner, a movie and dancing on a Friday night. Doesn't that sound
so much more fun. I Hope I gave you enough details about my background... Feel
free to ask me any question you want...
See you on the dance floor!!
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