I Got A Friend In The Business…

This week I had one of those irritating things that happen – my “check engine” light went on. No problem, I just gave David a call – tango dancer/mechanic. That got me thinking about all the folks I know through dancing, and the benefit of those acquaintances. 

My mechanic, my plumber, my electrician – all dancers.  My seamstress. My computer expert.  My  veterinarian. My insurance agent. Fluffy needs to be declawed? I’d recommend Rick. Thinking about learning to play the piano? That would be Trisha.  Need a graphic artist? Scott, Dave or Barb.  Getting that garage painted? Mike. Website designer? Adriana or Keith.

CPA’s, bankers, landscape artists. Builders, contractors, hair stylists.  And don’t even get me started on real estate agents!

The point is, why go to strangers when you already are a part of a network of extremely talented people. People who are, of course, undeniably smarter, saner, stronger, healthier and more socially adept. We know this for a fact because they have chosen to learn how to dance.

So the next time you need that body work done or your house redecorated or your financial health evaluated, think of the dancers you know.  Just one of the many perks of dancing!  More info? Ask me at Lois@mndance.com, or visit www.mndance.com/recommendations.html

Also: Ready to go to Buenos Aires for some medical services?   www.wix.com/consultorios/ health-and-beauty 

Dancing with the Stars: What an incredible program! We in the partner dance business are thrilled that a top rated program is highlighting the hobby we love!

 So, the dance studios should be filled, right? As we see the stars go from clumsy and chubby to suave and svelte, everyone who is watching this show should be excited about getting started!

But are people understanding how accessible dance is? How you can go out dancing, every night of the week, with no partner, and dance the whole night? Or do they think they have to spend 8 hours every day in a studio with a very expensive professional, then buy a very expensive costume, then hire a studio to dance in or enter a contest? 

Here in the Twin Cites, you can go out and join your fellow dancers on the dance floor 7 nights a week. No calling ahead, just show up. You can avail yourself of dance lesson for about $15 each, or sometimes less. Don't have a partner? No problem, you'll meet people in your classes who want to dance!

I Have Two Left Feet...

As a child I was always intensely interested, as I suppose every kid is, on how my family stacked up in the socioeconomic scene in my local town. My dad denied it, but I always felt we were pretty rich. I knew we were rich because we were allowed to put two packets of Kool-Aid mix in whenever we made a batch. Ah, what self-indulgent wastrels we were!

What we didn’t have was access to dance lessons. The community in which I lived consisted of 750 people, and that just didn’t seem to be of much interest to dance instructors. So I didn't get dance lessons as a kid. Come to think of it, even if there had been a dance studio in town, it is unlikely that I would have been enrolled. I was way too clumsy. I'm still clumsy. Except for the magical moment when I step on the dance floor.

So I didn't start dancing when I was young. I didn't start until I was in my thirties. And here I am, teaching dance for a living. 

But it didn't come easily. I had to work at it, and I was dedicated. Dancing every day. Exercizing. Watching. And taking lots of lessons. But when I started to win those first places in competitions, I knew it was all worth while!