TEAMWORK

I have long admired one well-respected studio from San Antonio, Texas, whose leadership has done an outstanding job of creating team spirit among its competitive students.  The encouragement and uplifting support the female students provide one another emanates joy and love for the art and sport of Ballroom Dance.  I observed this positive energy and teamwork once again at the recent Southwestern Invitational DanceSport Championships (SWI) in Dallas.

I have also been reflecting on what a joy it was to spend the weekend with the wonderful group of students and their families of my Balance Competitive Ballroom Dance Team who accompanied me to SWI, last weekend.  I think the reason that my group of ladies is so pleasurable to be around is the positivity they each possess, the love of dance they share, and the TEAM spirit we all create together!

Over my many years as a dance instructor and studio owner, I have observed at DanceSport competitions the studios that have the most fun and win the most awards are those that work as a team, creating a network of support.

What a contrast this is to the pettiness that can sometimes accompany competition! This is particularly true when students among a single studio or dancing with the same instructor are competing among themselves.  The negative energy created brings everyone down.

Yes, Ballroom Dance at this level is a sport in which there are clear winners and losers.  The cream rises to top revealing the most skilled, naturally talented, experienced, and well-trained amateurs and professionals.  The best dancers are the winners, and rightfully so!

However, competition can be friendly and good sportsmanship only highlights the joy that dance brings to life!  Let’s face it, dancing is fun!  In the end, we are all winners for just having enlightened our bodies and minds through this beautiful art!

My San Antonio friends have mastered this team spirit!  And I am very proud to say that my newly formed Balance Competitive Ballroom Dance Team has, as well!

MANY CONGRATULATIONS to Kathy, Kelly, Shawna, Chloe, Karla, Dawn, Joe and my wonderful wife, Kellie, for their individual achievements at the Southwestern Invitational Championships.  More, congratulations to all for their combined achievement as a team! 

They are all winners!