Questions and Answers excerpts from 'The Daily Herald'

-April 2000 in an interview with the Dance director

For those people with two left feet, how do you dance without making a fool of yourself or your partner?

Take Lessons! It's embarrassing when you don't know how to dance. You feel awkward, one can't learn by watching but participate and the best way to do that is to attend classes.

Some of the clubs are offering lessons earlier in the evening. Can someone learn how to dance by taking these lessons?

I think its great that they provide this. One or two lessons wont teach you how to dance. One needs to take classes over a longer period of time and more often than once or twice every few weeks.

Guys often have to lead in dances like salsa, merengue and ballroom. How much harder is it for a guy to learn the steps than a women?

It takes twice a long for a man to learn than a women, but the benefits are tenfold. Women swarm to good men dancers. However, any dancer, male or female, can bring out the best in their partners.

Is dancing just good fun, or could it count as my exercise for the day also?

It's a combination of both. We always tell our students that while they might not be here for exercise, they'll get it anyway. It's an incredible cardio and pulmonary exercise. It tones the muscles, heart and lungs. Its one of the best overall workouts and you can ask any doctor.

What should I wear when out dancing at a club or lounge?

Look good. If you are ballroom dancing, wear a loose flowing dress, guys wear suits or tuxedoes. If you are dancing salsa or merengue, the steps are smaller, so many women wear a cocktail dress, which provides a tighter, closer fit. Present yourself the best way you can as dancing is very much a social custom.

What are the social benefits of dancing?

Dancing gives you the opportunity to be out in a social environment. I've had students here who are like a butterfly in a cocoon. They come in timid and shy and as they get better on the dance floor, they begin to blossom. They ask others to dance and its a wonderful sight.

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