Ballroom dancing is something my wife and I have wanted to try for several years but were apprehensive. We read about the studio in the Birmingham News and decided to sign up for one of their Introductory Dance Lesson offers. From the time we walked in the door to attend our first Group Class, we found the instructor to be exceptionally welcoming, the atmosphere to be light and relaxed, and the students to be very friendly and encouraging. The instructor has the innate ability to make everyone feel comfortable with learning new dances and new steps. His expertise and knowledge from his years of dancing and teaching are evident and greatly enhances our learning experience. One of the most important assets to us is his ability to provide very patient and detailed instruction. We found more enjoyment in Ballroom Dancing than we thought we would and decided to take it to a higher level through private lessons in order to learn to dance to the best of our ability. In the future, my wife hopes to dance in some competitions. We have found that our self confidence, poise, and expression of the dance have all been positive results from taking dance lessons. Whether we are attending a Group Class or a private lesson, the instructor makes them both to be just plain fun! We have met new people and made new friends to the extent of going out socially together -some class related and some not. Dance class is one of the highlights of our week. In fact, they have become so important that we find ourselves scheduling our other obligations around our classes as much as we can. And, after working in a very busy health care environment each day and usually coming home quite tired, attending a dance class leaves me more energized and happy. We enjoy the excellent instruction and the challenge involved in improving on a variety of dance patterns and their tempos. It's much like playing golf except my wife and I enjoy doing this together! Both my wife and I would say that anyone can learn to dance no matter your age, no matter your experience....even if you think you have two left feet. Dancing is a fun and energizing time for us!! Dennis and Paula McMillan, Pinson
I had always wanted to learn ballroom dancing but with all the duties of a working wife and mother, it never seemed to fit into my schedule. Finally, the kids were grown and married. It was time to take that first step but I had no idea where to go. I met Sterling at my church and learned that he was a dance instructor. I talked with my husband about taking lessons and he said, "Go, have fun." I had hoped he would join me but I found out that I didn't have to have a partner in order to learn how to dance. My next thought was I had waited too late in life to learn. Could someone in their mid-fifties and a grandmother really learn ballroom dancing? But, I knew I wanted to try. The moment I entered the dance studio I felt I had made the right decision. The instructors were warm, friendly and very patient. All the students, whether novice or experienced, made me feel welcomed and at ease. I thought I only wanted to learn to dance simply for my own enjoyment and exercise but with a lot of encouragement from my instructor, I soon found myself at my first competition. After that, I was really "hooked". I no longer want to just be able to dance socially, but I want to learn every detail of the dance and push myself to do my very best. I have made some of the best friends of my life while taking private and group lessons. It has been the best "treat" I have ever done for myself. Joyce Franklin, Irondale