I was 23 when I started ballroom dancing. My intention was a career in dancing - not as an instructor but as a performer. I had never been introduced to the world of dance before this (no ballet or jazz or anything), so I thought ballroom dancing would be a good intro. I began at an Arthur Murray studio in January 1980.

During the first 6 months of my dancing, I attended 2 classes 5 nights/week and took private lessons once a week. I danced socially on weekends, so you could say I was literally dancing 7 nights a week. I was hooked. Right now, my dancing averages 3-4 nights a week.

In June 1980 I was invited to become an instructor. I thought that would be interesting, and it might get my foot in the door as far as a career was concerned. Well, being a dance instructor was not my "cup of tea." I gave it up at the end of the contract and have been happy as an amateur dancer ever since.

How good or bad was/am I? We are our own worst critic. I leave that question to my instructors and my peers. When I dance, I dance from the heart. When it comes to personal style, I dance what I feel.

Regards, Hoofer

I am 16 now and I started dancing on my 16th birthday (April 6) (my grandmother gave me dance lessons for my birthday) and I loved it so much I continued dancing, I've been at it for about 7 months now.

Luv, Kisses and Cookies,
~*Bri*~

Started in my second year at university. I was renown for my lack of co-ordination, but after a term it was improving quite a lot. As to how good I was, I can only speak relatively, in comparison to others who started at the same time. I practised outside lessons, and took an interest in technique, and several of my partners told me I was good.

I was 26 at the time I started learning ballroom and swing dancing; I was probably as good as anyone else who was serious about learning.

"Dancing is a contact sport; football is a hitting sport" - Vince Lombardi