Ballroom dancing may look elegant and effortless from the outside, but those who’ve danced know that it’s a world full of rhythm, discipline, connection, and joy. While I don’t consider myself a professional dancer, I’ve spent hundreds (maybe even thousands) of hours taking lessons, practicing technique, and dancing socially. What began as a spark of interest from childhood turned into a lifelong passion that continues to shape how I move through life, both literally and figuratively.
Why has dance been so important to my life? Well, it has given me something to do, it’s great exercise, I’ve made great friends, and simply put, it feels amazing! Here’s a look at how I really got interested in it:
Childhood Fascination with Ballroom
Long before I ever stepped onto a dance floor, ballroom dance had already taken root in my imagination. I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t fascinated by it. As a child, I would watch the ballroom dance competitions aired on public television with awe. The sweeping gowns, the dramatic footwork, the music—it all felt so magical. I was completely captivated, even if I didn’t yet understand what I was watching.
Though the fascination never left me, life had other priorities. For years, my interest remained in the background—something admired from afar, but never explored up close. I assumed it was a dream for “other people,” not something I could actually do.
A Cruise That Changed Everything
That all changed when I was in my mid-30s and took a cruise with my family. One evening, a large group of ballroom dancers took to the floor. They weren’t performers or professionals—just people who loved to dance. They danced every night of the cruise, and I was struck not only by their skill but by how much fun they were having. The laughter, the community, the ease with which they moved—it lit something in me that had been dormant for years.
That trip was the turning point. When I returned home, I signed up for ballroom lessons at a local studio. I was nervous walking in that first day, but also wildly excited. It felt like I was finally giving myself permission to pursue something that had called to me since childhood.
A Dance Journey That Hasn’t Stopped
Seven years later, I haven’t stopped dancing. I’ve taken countless private lessons, group classes, and attended more practice parties than I can count. I’m far from an expert, but that’s never been the goal. What matters is that dance has become a vibrant and joyful part of my life. It’s a form of movement that challenges me, centers me, and connects me to others in a way nothing else quite does.
I’ve learned more than steps and technique. I’ve learned to lead and follow, to trust my instincts, to be present. I’ve learned that passion doesn’t need to come with perfection—it just needs practice, heart, and a willingness to show up.
Ballroom dance may have started as a childhood fascination, but it’s now woven into the fabric of my life. It’s not just about dancing—it’s about joy, expression, and connection. And the best part? I know there’s still so much more to learn and discover on this journey. As long as there’s music playing, I’ll keep dancing.