What Dancing Means To Me

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“Dancing has brought a twinkle back into my eye”

I have always wanted to try Dancing Classes from a teenager but my time was taken up competing seriously (International level) in Fencing until my late thirties. The only dancing I did (if you could call it dancing!) was at the local night clubs where, during my twenties, I would use disco style dancing on a weekly basis as part of my aerobic fitness programme. I eventually gave up competitive fencing and looked for a new interest that was active, enjoyable, social and local, which I could do on a weekly basis.

A work colleague had attended a few of your sessions and encouraged me to go along, so a couple of years ago

I started attending your classes and have not looked back since. I look forward to all classes, enjoy them immensely while I am there and then cannot wait for the next session. I am hooked!! I suppose if I had to pick a few of my favourite dances they would include the Waltz, Samba and Argentine Tango but I like all the styles. Dancing has brought a twinkle back into my eye, an eagerness to learn new dance steps, therefore regenerating my brain cells and given me a chance to meet new friends. I just wish that I had taken up dancing much sooner.

Thank you Dance at 8 for providing everyone with such an opportunity. T. R . ~ Worcester

“Why ‘Dance at 8’ is so Special”

My parents were both professional dancers and ran their own studio with my mother teaching from morning to night. As a youngster I was expected to follow the example and danced Old Time and Sequence taking the requisite medal tests. At the age of 12 enough was enough and my rebellious nature took me in other directions and I followed my passion for music.

When I was 18 my mother was giving private lessons to a married couple with two daughters. By chance I was around during one of these lessons and instantly was attracted to the older of the two daughters. I found myself taking up dancing again however by this time my parents were teaching Modern Ballroom, Latin American as well as Sequence.

I later married the older of the two daughters and this year we celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary.

Despite my love of dancing my parents strict regime of precise footwork, posture and alignments made dancing a chore for me and my physical shape, being as wide as I am long, inevitably meant that I would have been better taking up all in wrestling than dancing however due to my father becoming ill

I agreed to take my teachers examinations to maintain the family dance school. I was well prepared to follow my parents into both the IDTA and UKA organisations. I was never quite comfortable with the formality that professional organisations bring and I always hoped that there would be some liberalisation to the strict ballroom codes.

Following the death of my father I gave up dancing for many years. We moved from Northamptonshire to Worcester and almost gave up dancing entirely.

I unfortunately broke my right leg in 2000 and was in plaster and Llizarov frames for the best part of two years. By chance I listened to an interview on local radio featuring Paul Pritchard. I spoke to my wife who had already heard of Paul and together we thought we would give Dance at 8 a try.

This has been a turning point in our dance lives because the very unique approach that Paul brings to dancing has turned, what was very much a chore for me, to something very special. I now dance because I enjoy it. The variety of dance styles taught by Paul including Salsa, Merengue, Tango Argentino, Swing, Lindy and Milonga as well as the other traditional ballroom dance styles has allowed me to relax, express myself and furthermore meet some very wonderful people.

My daughter, who had long since been lead to believe that she could not dance, has blossomed since having lessons with Paul and she has benefited so much from the dance experience.

Dance at 8 is not just about learning to dance, it’s also about learning to relax, having fun, gaining self confidence and meeting some very wonderful people. Those who have danced Salsa Rueda will know what I mean.

D.M. ~ Worcester

“Dance has contributed hugely to my life”

I took up dancing again, I had danced whilst a young girl under 12 doing the medals as a hobby, when I was left on my own with 2 young children but 3 very good Baby Sitters - my Mum and Dad and my Brother - who insisted that I needed to get out at least one evening a week as a break. I decided to go back to dancing for fun. I had a great time and enjoyed catching up again with the dances - half forgotten - but a bit like learning any craft the basics were still there. Nine months later I met Chris who also enjoyed dancing and had taken medals before he met me. He had been transferred up to Malvern to work and we met at a Class. We have enjoyed 14 years of being together, 12 of them married, and all of them happily dancing. We love all types of dance - Ballroom, Latin American, Scottish, etc..

We have been on dancing holidays and enjoyed many balls and dance events.

We now dance (our children are 18 and 20) as often as we can but at least - Tuesday's, Thursday's and Saturday's.

Dance has contributed hugely to my life - it gave me a wonderful Husband and my 2 children a marvellous Father. It keeps me fit and healthy and is a brilliant way of making friends and travelling.

Everything from the Practice sessions to the fun Classes and the dress up Balls is fantastic.

We enjoy attending the Dance at 8 events and hope for more to come. Regards, E. W .

Come and find out what Dancing will do for you !

Questions ?

Phone us on 01386 556 665

Through our Newsletter we asked our readers what dancing has meant to them.

Here are just a few replies: