Tell us about yourself

Career: I work at Holy Trinity Classical Christian School in Beaufort as the middle school science teacher.

Hobbies: Besides ballroom dance, I enjoy performing in other capacities such as acting and singing.  This year, I was part of the cast of The Sound of Music with the Beaufort Theater Company where I got to ballroom dance in one of the scenes!  I also enjoy playing volleyball, ultimate frisbee, tennis and pickleball. 

Other: I grew up in rural Minnesota and moved to South Carolina in 2015.

When did you start dancing?

I started ballroom dancing in October of 2022.  I had only dabbled in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, etc. for a couple years when I was a child.  I was also a gymnast and I loved the dance aspect of floor and beam routines, but the dance options are limited in the sport.

What inspired you to start dancing?

I've always wanted to dance! Last year, I watched a movie with some salsa dance, and so I was inspired to check out dance options in Beaufort!  I had enjoyed the small amount of dancing when I was in gymnastics and I really missed it, so I was ready to take the step and sign up for classes.

Favorite dance or dances?

I really enjoy learning the challenging moves in Argentine Tango and I love the upbeat, fast-paced styles of salsa and cha cha.

What classes and events have you joined?

I am currently taking the Level 3 class and am part of the performance team.  I also hate to miss Thursday night tango and Friday night salsa!  Another fun activity that the studio offers is the monthly dance parties.  It is fun to take the new things you've learned that week in class to the social dance floor!

What do you enjoy about dancing at Revolution Ballroom?

It has been a joy to be part of Revolution Ballroom and it truly a blessing to have Marcia as a dance teacher!  She is kind, welcoming, personable, and sincerely cares about you as a person.  She is very knowledgeable and I can't help but pick her brains about the specifics of the dances we are learning at every class!  Marcia creates a safe place to learn and the friendly atmosphere allows for mistakes.  At the same time, she sets the bar high and challenges you to be the best dancer you can be.  I have learned so much in the last year and I can't wait to get back to dance class each week!

What benefits has dance brought to your life?

I love being part of a friendly and supportive community!  It's been so great to just step outside of the business of life for a bit and enjoy dancing!  I also love working towards goals; it makes me feel like I'm back in athlete mode!

Is there anything that surprised you about the process of learning to dance?

It looks so easy, but it is so much more difficult than you would think!  I have much more respect for dancers than I did before beginning classes, especially ballroom dancers; both the leader and the follower have to really be in sync to make it work.  It truly takes two to tango!

What would you say to people who would like to learn to dance but are a bit nervous about giving it a try?

Just do it!!  You'll be surprised at how much fun it can be and how much you will learn in a short amount of time!  If I can do it, you can too!  I am always a bit nervous to try new things, and I was so glad I took the plunge and signed up for dance!