I recently returned from DVIDA Professional Ballroom Dance
Camp in Las Vegas. It was a unique 4 day
opportunity for me to switch roles – I was once again a student and dancer, not
just a teacher.
I very much enjoyed learning new insights into the
instruction of Smooth and Standard dances from former Champions, Michael Mead,
Toni Redpath, and Jim and Jenell Maranto.
I received intense coaching in the technical skills of Rhythm and Latin
dances from Felipe and Carolina Telona.
And, I learned fun, new patterns in Hustle and West Coast Swing with
Toby and Harmony Munroe.
The thought which came to mind a number of times throughout
this amazing week of classes was, “The last dance lesson looks just like the first.” I repeat this often to my students. What I
mean to convey is that as a dancer, each of us continuously strives to reach
the highest level of mastery and in it is an unattainable goal. We will each continue to grow, to hone our
skills, develop better technique, to dance more beautifully than the day
before; however, perfection is always just out of reach. There will always be room to grow.
Like striving to attain enlightenment, I believe the never
ending quest is the force which drives us forward – pushing us to the next
level, regardless of the number of years of experience.
For 4 days, I was the student – no different from those I
teach – reaching for the brass ring and working hard to emulate, reflect, and
embody the amazing professionals I called “teachers.”
