Want to learn to dance? Just walk through the door

By Sandro Virag

There are lots of different reasons why people want to learn to dance. Some come to learn social dancing, some for physical exercise, some to learn their wedding dance, some are working towards a competition, and some want to be in a dance show production.

From an instructor’s perspective, everyone has the ability to learn to dance. Many say they don’t have rhythm or they can’t count or they have two left feet. But in reality, it is just a matter of an instructor being able to pull out what’s inside someone and use it to the fullest.

I believe most people secretly would like to know how to dance, but what’s keeping them from walking through the door of a dance studio? I decided to ask some of my own students.

Natasha Bayard had driven past the dance studio several times, always wondering what was offered, but she never made the move to stop in. Then a friend invited her to one of the Halloween parties and she ended up signing up for several classes. Natasha has been dancing for a little over two years now.

Rick Collins said he was worried about learning everything that was expected from a male dancer – learning all the steps, leading the lady, and maintaining the timing of the music, which meant he really had to learn a lot and thought it would be difficult. Since his wife wanted dance lessons for Christmas, he made the push to go through the door. He has been dancing more than 17 years now.

Cinda Seamon was interested but still hesitant. When she was approached to do a “Dancing with the Local Stars” fundraiser in 2010, she had no choice but to walk through the door and has been dancing ever since.

Judi Kestenbaum did not want to go alone but when she got a coupon for a free halfhour lesson, she decided not to waste it. That coupon pushed her through the door. Judi not only still dances (more than 10 years now), but competes as well.

Toni Wald always had an interest but kept putting it off. Finally, she decided to start fulfilling her bucket list and walked through the door. She has been dancing for more than 15 years.

What’s holding you back? All you really have to do is walk through the door!

Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, located in Bluffton at Seaquins Ballroom. hiltonheadballroom.com