Hi, I’m Sandra Parson, and stepping into The Ballroom Dance Center (BDC) over two years ago was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It all started with a simple thought – my broom sweeping dance moves weren’t cutting it anymore! That phone call to BDC opened up a world of dance I never knew I was missing, and I quickly fell in love with everything about it. The COVID lockdown was tough, but I’m incredibly grateful that BDC reopened safely, allowing me to continue my dance journey.
The team at the center is fantastic. Vickie, Joyce, Jessica, and Jillian run everything so smoothly and are always there to support us students. Joining BDC felt like becoming part of a welcoming dance family, where everyone encourages each other to grow and improve. It’s more than just lessons; it’s a community.
My first taste of the BDC magic was attending their 2019 production, Murder at the Moulin Rouge. I was completely blown away by the professional quality of the staging and the dancers. This year’s show, Villains, was just as incredible, an absolute hit with the audience. While every performance was outstanding, Val and Emile’s dance truly stood out. They were mesmerizing; the world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only their breathtaking skill and dazzling costumes. It was pure artistry in motion.
This year, I even got to volunteer at the Augusta Dance Challenge. Being a floor worker was such a treat because it gave me a front-row seat to the competition, something spectators usually miss. I spent the day cheering, clapping, and thoroughly enjoying the incredible talent on display. Plus, the event was live-streamed on Facebook, which was a great way for even more people to experience the excitement. Having seen competitions before, it’s always inspiring to watch and learn, and it’s lovely to see familiar faces from other studios too – it really does feel like a wider dance family.
As a student here, I can’t praise the teachers at The Ballroom Dance Center enough. Their patience is incredible, especially when I’m caught up in fits of laughter at my own clumsy moments! Their expertise in dance technique, especially proper frame, is top-notch. I even saw Val giving frame tips to a very experienced dancer – proof that the fundamentals are always important!
Emilie was the one who welcomed me during my orientation. She assured me that even with my “two left feet,” I could learn to dance. Her advice? Just rename one foot ‘Right’ and the other ‘Left’! It’s been a wonderful challenge from day one. She also said, “If you can walk, you can dance,” which is encouraging, even if my walking isn’t always graceful! My goals were simple: learn to ballroom dance and have fun. Every lesson at BDC reinforces both of those goals. It’s always fun, full of laughter, and I’m genuinely learning to dance. What more could I ask for?
I especially love the Friday night social dances and balls throughout the year. They range from casual to special events, but they are all perfect opportunities to practice what I learn in my private lessons and group technique class. It’s also a fantastic way to socialize with my BDC dance family. Taking two private lessons a week and a weekly technique class works perfectly for me. I look forward to each one, to working with my teachers and seeing my friends in class. It’s so rewarding to see how far I’ve come – from a complete beginner to someone who can count music, place my feet correctly, follow a lead, and maintain a frame. There’s so much to learn in ballroom dance, and I’m loving every step of the journey! Any frustrations just motivate me to push through and conquer the challenges ahead. It’s a long journey, but I’m excited for every step, with a spring in my step and my dance shoes ready for more.
