Hi Alexis,

My husband and I started to take social dance lessons a few years ago, but I really fell in love with ballroom about two years ago when I had the opportunity to attend the studio's showcase. Everyone was having such a joyous time, I just had to join them. I decided to compete, and it is one of the most challenging things I have ever done. My instructor is an absolute stickler for correct technique, so I was a bronze level dancer for a long time. We have competed a few times, and the results have always been good because he never tried to push me beyond my capability, yet he encouraged me to put everything I had into each performance.

In the process, I have gained a ton of poise and self-confidence, have lost over twenty pounds, and look better in middle age than I ever did when I was younger. You are right when you describe this as a commitment or a marathon rather than a sprint. I've found that just when I think I'm getting the hang of it, he'll teach me new technique and I realize I'm just scratching the surface! But what a lot of fun it is!

Practice a lot on your own to build your technique. I promise it will pay off and help you progress faster. Good luck!

Hello Alexis,
I have gone Bonkers for Ballroom. My husband started because he wanted to help me stay active & limber after my many spine surgeries, When Emmitt Smith won DWTS, my husband said "Oh, I could do that, it is not that hard!" The next morning,I found a studio, and said "Prove it!" The first night, was East Coast Swing, he was better than I was. I cried for an hour, and then thought, "H___,NO! He is NOT going to be better than I am!! November 25, will be 2 years. We still dance everyday, even if it is just 10 mins. I carry a 350GB in my purse, that has $7K in Dancevision videos just so I can plug in anywhere. I am always looking to swapping & buying videos! Remodeled a room , into a practice Ballroom - It is so much fun I love learning new things! Thanks for asking, ScottyBoysDoll