We've said it a thousand times: learning ballroom teaches more than just "dancing." Still, if we needed more evidence, our recent visit to a local church group to participate in a three-part "Dance of Marriage" seminar provided it.
A pleasant young couple had previously attended one of our free group classes, and we were sad to note that they had not returned for the session. But what we didn't know at the time was that one of them was the Associate Pastor of a local church, and while he had not returned to session, he had not forgotten his lesson, either!
We were surprised when, several weeks later, we got a call from him, explaining that his church was putting on a marriage seminar. He told us that he had been so impressed with his lesson that he wanted to include us as part of the program. We were delighted!
Since the church was hosting the event, we'd expected a nice turnout, and we were seriously looking forward to contributing our special brand of fun to it. What we didn't expect was to find the Fellowship Hall literally PACKED with over 100 people - many of whom had never danced with their partners before!
As Billianne and I attempted to gather a guest circle to teach the elements of dance, we exchanged looked that clearly said, "Okay...how are we going to make THIS work?" Our students, who were literally shoulder to shoulder throughout the room, were going to be learning the Waltz and Rumba, yet there was barely enough room to move. Still, despite our spatial challenges, the energy and excitement was terrific. We would MAKE it work!
As the evening continued, we became even more enthusiastic. And, as we instructed our students on the basic principles of lead and follow and moved the couples through the basic patterns, we were thrilled to see that, these guys - not a bit put out by the limited space - were having a blast! More importantly, they were learning a new way of relating to each other - as people and as couples - and they were having a GREAT time doing it!
By the end of the session, we watched with pride as all our couples - from the youngest to the oldest - danced together, some for the very first time. It was clear that, during the course of a single session, they had gained a new-found respect for one another. We were delightedt to see that the principles of encouragement, respect, and courtesy had not only made an impact, but had provided a platform for great social time and fun. This is why we teach. This is why we learn. This is why we DANCE!
A pleasant young couple had previously attended one of our free group classes, and we were sad to note that they had not returned for the session. But what we didn't know at the time was that one of them was the Associate Pastor of a local church, and while he had not returned to session, he had not forgotten his lesson, either!
We were surprised when, several weeks later, we got a call from him, explaining that his church was putting on a marriage seminar. He told us that he had been so impressed with his lesson that he wanted to include us as part of the program. We were delighted!
Since the church was hosting the event, we'd expected a nice turnout, and we were seriously looking forward to contributing our special brand of fun to it. What we didn't expect was to find the Fellowship Hall literally PACKED with over 100 people - many of whom had never danced with their partners before!
As Billianne and I attempted to gather a guest circle to teach the elements of dance, we exchanged looked that clearly said, "Okay...how are we going to make THIS work?" Our students, who were literally shoulder to shoulder throughout the room, were going to be learning the Waltz and Rumba, yet there was barely enough room to move. Still, despite our spatial challenges, the energy and excitement was terrific. We would MAKE it work!
As the evening continued, we became even more enthusiastic. And, as we instructed our students on the basic principles of lead and follow and moved the couples through the basic patterns, we were thrilled to see that, these guys - not a bit put out by the limited space - were having a blast! More importantly, they were learning a new way of relating to each other - as people and as couples - and they were having a GREAT time doing it!
By the end of the session, we watched with pride as all our couples - from the youngest to the oldest - danced together, some for the very first time. It was clear that, during the course of a single session, they had gained a new-found respect for one another. We were delightedt to see that the principles of encouragement, respect, and courtesy had not only made an impact, but had provided a platform for great social time and fun. This is why we teach. This is why we learn. This is why we DANCE!
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