I’ve had so so many memories and stories that have touched my heart and taught me so much as a teacher!

I remember one student long ago who had Autism and though his frequent questions and comments were a bit challenging as a teacher, his mom told me later that he just loved Ballroom! She told me he didn’t have many friends, didn’t fit in with most sports, and was shy, and Ballroom gave him an outlet for his energy, a social network of friends, and he loved learning the new skills!

One student started in 4th grade with us as a very sweet, but shy and fairly uncoordinated boy. He would hover his hand by the girls’ backs unless I came around and made him make contact, so while he tried his best, he was far from our best leader. I was pretty sad to learn he wasn’t returning with us for 6th grade, but surprised and delighted to hear that it was because he auditioned for a highly competitive team and made it! He’s in high school now and it’s been so fun and seeing him dancing like a powerhouse on his various teams.

My own daughters have also participated in the Danzinskule program, both while I was pregnant with them as well as when they got to elementary school and could join my class. My oldest is now a senior and has plans to dance at UVU next year. She’s blossomed so much through her Ballroom experiences over the years, and as her Elementary Ballroom teacher and her mom, I’m just so proud.