Couples of all varieties are flocking to learn to dance -- some for the first time, and some to refresh their old steps.
By Cole Hobson <chobson@dal.ca>
Posted: Feb. 9, 2007
Quinlan says the popularity of her dance classes has increased due to the popularity of dance shows on television. Photo: Cole Hobson
Shall we dance? An increasing number of HRM residents are getting on the dance floor and one dance instructor thinks the recent increase in dancing movies and TV shows may be a big part of the reason why.
Joan Quinlan is the head instructor for "... Shall We Dance?", which holds lessons in Cole Harbour Place and at the Nubody's fitness club in Burnside. She teaches with Yuriy Shelkovyy, who has been dancing competitively since age nine.
The program is in its second year, and Quinlan says registration has shot from a meager eight participants to more than 150 students.
"We have everybody here, from students to professionals -- doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, everyone," Quinlan says.
The trend isn't solely in the maritimes either, as The Canada Council for the Arts reports that the number of Canadians participating in dance classes has risen continually in the last three decades.
Quinlan, who has danced competitively for 15 years, says Emmitt Smith winning "Dancing with the Stars" helped break stereotypes of men who dance, and it led to an increase in the number of husbands bringing their wives out to dance lessons. The show has run for three seasons on ABC and teams a celebrity with a professional dancer in an elimination competition.
"Usually the wives bring the men in. They are reluctant in the beginning and then they don't want to leave in the end, " she says.
Quinlan instructs Evan Robertson and Allie MacMillan during one of her Monday night lessons. Photo: Cole Hobson
Evan Robertson, 20, was a reluctant student, who is now enjoying dance lessons with his girlfriend, Allie MacMillan, 21.
"I promised her that once we'd been together for a year, I'd take dance lessons with her," Robertson says. "It's not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. There are a few arguments once in a while, but for the most part it's really fun."
MacMillan says the lessons are a fun activity for the couple to do together and she also thinks dance movies have led to an increase in the popularity of dance.
Robertson says it is important for the couple to learn a formal style of dance.
"You don't want to have to bump and grind at someone's dance recital or wedding," he says.
There are also some couples who are taking lessons for less personal reasons.
Tina Bocking and Rick Book didn't know each other four weeks ago and now they glide along the dance floor together every week. The middle-aged pair both have significant others, but came to the dance studio separately and were paired up.
"I had some experience with dance from years ago and I just wanted to get back and get some refresher," Book says, "I'll dance with anybody!"
"And anybody was me," Bocking jokes. "For me it's a challenge, because I couldn't dance and I desperately wanted to for 25 years. So now is the time to do it."
Whatever the reason people choose to come out, Quinlan says the popularity of dance is on a high, and soon her program will only accept new members on referral.
Quinlan and Shelkovyy both say they are happy to be able to pass on their love of dance. Photo: Cole Hobson
Quinlan, who is certified by the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, says it is rewarding to be able to pass on her love of dance.
"They get very excited when they realize they can dance, especially if they come in with the idea that they can't do it," she says, "I'm really excited I can empower these people with the confidence to get up and to look good and have fun."
Shelkovyy agrees. The 26-year-old originally from Ukraine says he is happy to get the opportunity to share his knowledge and skills with other people.
The beginner lessons are an hour and a half long and focus on a wide range of dances including jive, foxtrot and salsa.
"There's no better value for your $10 out there anywhere -- at McDonalds, at a movie, anywhere," Quinlan says, "When we teach you how to dance, you know that forever. You go everywhere in your life, to a reception, to a wedding, to a club and you will know how to dance."
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