What inspired you to start dancing?

We thought dance might make for a great date night.

Favorite dance or dances?

My favorite dance is the Viennese Waltz, when my legs are working well, it is just so beautiful and fun. And when they aren't, I like that in Argentine Tango, my leader can modify the moves to hide my missteps easier. But I do like that no matter how well my legs are working, or not, no one makes me feel bad at Revolution Ballroom.

What classes and events have you joined?

We started years ago with Intro to Ballroom Dance, then moved up to Smooth Operator (Level 2). Unfortunately, we moved away from Beaufort, but life brought us back, and we came back to dance as soon as we got back, and had to start over. We again started with Intro to Ballroom Dance, and moved up to Smoother Operator/Feel the Rhythm (Level 2). Trying to juggle our daughter's sports schedule and our dance, we occasionally included Argentine Tango, and eventually moved up to Steppin' Out - Smooth & Rhythm (Level 3). We try to make as many of the dance parties as we can.

What do you enjoy about dancing at Revolution Ballroom?

I enjoy that everyone is so welcoming and non-judgemental. You can tell that the other dancers are there to have fun and learn some dance. I also appreciate that everyone is willing to work within my limitations, but also encourage me to try new steps, even if I don't think I can.

What benefits has dance brought to your life?

Dance helps me to improve my endurance and balance. It helps keep me active, at least one day a week, and we've met some great people we never would have otherwise.

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

I frequently get surprised when I can actually do some of the moves correctly, or even get close to getting them correct. At first, I was surprised that no one made me feel bad about my inabilities, but instead, everyone just encouraged me to try.

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

I would tell anyone who would like to learn to dance that Revolution Ballroom is a very welcoming and supportive dance community with all levels of classes for many styles of dance. And for them to just try a class and see for themselves.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Revolution Ballroom was one of the things we were most excited about moving back to Beaufort.