Ballroom dancing for me has been an amazing and unexpected journey. It began 15 years ago, on the day my husband and I walked into a Fred Astaire Dance Studio for the sole purpose of learning some basic social dancing. Who knew, at that time, that a World Championship title in competitive ballroom dancing was in my future? Actually, not one, but 4 consecutive World titles, plus 8 National Championship titles, and many other major competition titles along the way.
Initially my husband and I were assigned a teacher who taught us as a couple. When it was clear that I was learning a bit more quickly we decided we should each have our own teacher. That way we could progress at our own speed.
My husband's interest was always social and he became a fine social dancer. I, on the other hand, took a different path. My teacher wanted me to compete. Compete! I thought that was the dumbest idea I ever heard.
Finally, after some pushing, I agreed to at least go look at a competition, and what I saw surprised me. I thought competition was only for advanced dancers or professionals. I discovered that competition dancing is organized by age and dance level.
I have been fortunate to have had wonderful teachers who all contributed something to my advancement. When Victor Russu became my teacher, he apparently saw seeds of something about my dancing he believed he could grow even further. My knowledge of what it took to be a high level dancer was so limited at that time I didn't even realize how carefully Victor was organizing my dance future. I followed all his suggestions—not having any of my own—and to my surprise we began winning competition after competition. The rest is history.
How long will I go on competing? Probably as long as my legs hold up. The great thing about ballroom competition is there is no age limit.