Dance Instructors

Dance Instructor

I was born in Zimbabwe and was one of the very lucky few children who had the opportunity to experience a dancesport program. My school was one of the first primary schools in Harare to be introduced to the world of Ballroom dancing. It was a trial program and our school encouraged us and our parents to participate. We were all 11years old and had absolutely no idea what ballroom dancing was about.

For me, and I’m sure many others, it changed my life. This is where my love and passion for dancing began. I left the following year to Australia however in this short time I caught a glimpse of how this program (whether it was its intent or not) affected the children participating. I remember my first class where no one knew what to expect; boys/girls were reluctant to hold hands and there was a very distinct separation between children of different races, cultural backgrounds, and even social status within the school. Looking back I can see very clearly how everyone had grown and matured over the year in a positive way.

Social skills improved – the group of students became closer and saw each other as more of a team; respect grew between each other as well as with the teachers; it subtlety infiltrated to everyday life in the way everyone saw themselves, their peers, adults, and stronger values were formed. Whilst some chose to pursue a rewarding career in Dancesport, many took away with them life long skills and values as well as an experience they will always remember.