Children and Dance
How Kids Benefit from Learning to Ballroom Dance
Hello! May I have this dance?
There is nothing quite as magical as watching two children expressing themselves when dancing the Tango. They are genuine with each smile of confidence and humble with each mistake.
I have been a professional ballroom dance instructor and competitor for over forty years. When I would go to a ballroom competition to compete with my partner and the students I taught, I would always see the Pop Warner of Dancesport practicing early on the floor.
They were as serious as any top pro competitor. They treated their dancing like a sport. Their moves were polished and ready for any judge to scrutinize. Then when they were both satisfied and done rehearsing, the two children, about 7 & 8 years old, would come back to the table where Mom and Dad were — waiting with smiles and words of support.
In an instant, I would see these soon-to-be champions transform into timid little kids. He was wearing Latin pants and a V-neck open shirt. His partner had her hair perfectly up off her neck — wearing an adorable dance dress, 2" heels, and frilly anklet socks.
Both sat sipping on a box of orange juice, waiting patiently for their turn to hit the boards and turn on their magic.
