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The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Ballroom studio welcomes all dancers

    Two of the studio’s professional instructors, Johanna Collier and Van Vo, (right) twirl across the dance floor in a waltz. Dancers perform at Courtney Black’s Ballroom Dance summer 2014 showcase dance.

    Two of the studio’s professional instructors, Johanna Collier and Van Vo, (right) twirl
    across the dance floor in a waltz.
    Dancers perform at Courtney Black’s Ballroom Dance summer 2014 showcase dance. 
    Courtesy of Courtney Black’s Ballroom Dance
     

    Over a week ago Courtney Black’s Ballroom Dance of Baton Rouge hosted its weekly Saturday night dance party, which provided a place for both professionals and inexperienced dancers to have fun socializing and showing off their dance moves. For only $10 a night, the party was an exhilarating, cheap and artistic way to spend the evening. 

    From the cha cha and foxtrot to the samba and Viennese waltz, the party featured a wide variety of dances, both fast-paced and graceful. While some of the dances such as the Viennese waltz required extensive experience to perform, there were several styles such as the quick-step, foxtrot and tango, for which basic steps could be learned quickly. 

    The friendly and inviting aura of the evening was especially impressive. Many of the more experienced dancers would continuously switch partners, encouraging newcomers to learn and participate in the festivities. Several elderly men and women taught beginners the steps to unfamiliar dance styles. 

    For each song the dance style was announced and played for roughly two minutes, which kept dances from dragging on. Though the music was neatly formatted and presented, the disc jockey did include free-style songs for guests to break out of the precise structures and try new expressions and ideas. 

    The owner, Courtney Black, has been involved in ballroom dancing for over 15 years and has competed professionally in American Smooth, which features waltz, foxtrot, tango and Viennese waltz and Theatre Arts, which includes lifts and ballet-type performance. 

    The weekly parties started in July 2012 when the studio first opened. Though primarily started as an opportunity for dance students to practice, the parties have since been open to anyone interested and have continued growing. 

    “Before we even opened, we had a great community of dancers who came out and showed their support every weekend. Now, two years later, we have those same amazing people, but the number of newcomers has grown as well,” said Black. “We have a wonderful group of people who range in experience as well as age, and the best part is that everyone is having a blast.”

    In addition to the various levels of experience, the alcohol-free environment lent an air of clean and respectful fun.

    Located in a strip mall on the outskirts of Baton Rouge, the unpretentious studio offers private lessons, group classes, wedding dances and weekly parties. The studio extends special offers for students interested in taking lessons. 

    As described on their website, ballroom dance provides physical, mental, social and additional benefits, such as expression and confidence. Aside from an opportunity to get dressed up, the exercise provides a natural energy rush and happy hormones. 

    Upon interviewing Black, she encouraged students to explore the many dancing options in Baton Rouge such as the Jeffie Jean Studio or the American Legion Hall, which hosts monthly Saturday night dances for $10 a person.

    Throughout the evening, newcomers learned several dance styles, observed professionals and socialized with other artists. Between Hammond, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, there are numerous artistic adventures to be explored and experienced. It just takes open eyes and ears and a bit of Internet surfing. 

    Look for a full schedule of parties and dance lessons as well as further explanations of physical and mental health benefits at ballroomdancebatonrouge.com.

    Rachel Podorsky, a dance student from Baton Rouge, and guest (top) enjoy learning new dances. 
    Courtesy of Courtney Black’s Ballroom Dance
     

     
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