If we needed anything to encourage us to dance, it is provided each week on prime time television. We marvel at the fluid, seemingly effortless movement, as the dancers float with the music. Watching these younger people put together their weekly ‘dance stylings’ we can be excused for thinking a dancer has to be a combination gymnast and fitness freak. However, that is obviously not the case as we watch ordinary people show us how it is possible to learn to dance a particular ballroom style each week. Some of us recognized pain in Marie Osmond and empathized with her as she fainted from exertion and anxiety while waiting for the judge’s opinion of her dance efforts. Prior to that incident, there were those of us who secretly wished we could be there to learn the intricacies of the dance. We want to be able to put forth the effort, to understand and remember the choreography, and to put it all together in a synchronized display to make all the viewers believe that we actually have the ability to Dance like the Stars. Well, just like anything else worthwhile it doesn’t come easy. It is not a skill learned through the process of osmosis or wishful thinking. Like any other skill it is the result of continuous, determined effort, focus and concentration, memorization and presence of mind, fitness and stamina. This must then combine with trust and confidence in a partner. developed over time and with concentrated practice. The most telling point is the learning of such physical skills - it is not the quality of the teacher but rather the quality and determination of the student that will see the wannabe ballroom dancer float across the dance floor. Like any other skill, Ballroom Dancing isn’t black magic; nor is it something reserved for the professional. Anyone can learn to dance the ballroom genre. It isn’t as though you will become a Fred Astaire or a Ginger Rodgers – it is possible but that is not the point is it? All you want is to know the basics, to be able to put the basics together, to be able to move in sync with your partner, and to flow effortlessly around the dance floor as though you were one.

Here in the Okanagan we are fortunate in having basic dance hall facilities at each of our Senior Activity Centres. It is there that we find people who are prepared to impart their skill and knowledge with patience and understanding to those of us ready, willing and able to embarrass ourselves for a few hours each week in order to learn and practice the ballroom genre. So it is at the Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre on South Main for the months of Oct/Nov/Dec 2007. Committed proponents of the dance are providing Ballroom Dance instruction for eight couples in each of two - four week sessions. You will find information on dance and dance instruction at your local Seniors Activity Centre. For those in the Penticton area please call Mary Furney at 492-8857 or the Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre.