Passion. The Force of Ballroom Dancing

Passion is a word that is used for and applied to intense, overwhelming, or driving emotion. Force is a word that is used to describe strength or energy especially of an exceptional degree. Put these two words together and to me they describe Ballroom Dancing. For all of us that have made Ballroom Dancing a huge part of our life, Passion describes our desire to Dance in general. Passion gives Purpose to our Dance Life. When we lose our Passion we usually lose our Purpose.

In my last article, "Romance, The Heart of Ballroom Dancing"; I received a number of wonderful e-mails from people that said the article touched their hearts. Thank you to those of you that wrote me, it is good to know that you are reading the articles and that they are an encouragement to you. Ballroom Dancing sparks a Passion in the Heart of individuals, sometimes in a place inside of you that has been dormant for years. Your HEART is where your desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections lodge. Inside your Heart is what you love to do, and what you care about most. Your Heart reveals the real you, who you truly are, not what others think you are or what your circumstances have forced you to be. Your Heart determines what you say, feel, and act. In Ballroom Dancing you have the opportunity to express many kinds of emotions. Positive emotions such as love, kindness, gentleness, joy, happiness can be expressed and danced to certain Ballroom Dances; just as negative emotions of anger, sadness, grief, jealousy, etc. can also be expressed on the Ballroom Dance floor.

I want to challenge you to take an emotion that is in your heart, and find a way to bring this emotion alive on the Ballroom Dance floor. You might have a special piece of music that you have always wanted to dance to, but never had the opportunity. About six years ago, I had a Passion to dance to a piece of music, and portray this song in dance. It was a love song with a story in it. I had no partner to dance with, and I had not performed in many years, on top of that I had been ill and had also been in a wheel chair. But the Passion and dream to dance this piece of music did not leave me. A friend of mine Brian, who was a studio owner and had never danced professionally, agreed to dance with me. It took close to six months to choreograph this Theatrical Viennese Waltz, which we finally performed at a local competition. This was truly a miracle considering all the circumstances of my life and how I had not danced for so long; but my Passion pushed the Force to Dance. Remember: "Nothing is Impossible to those who believe."

We all have a physical and unique heartbeat, just like we have unique thumbprints. Out of all the billions of people who have ever lived, no one has had a heartbeat exactly like yours. In the same way, you have been given an emotional heartbeat, that races when you think about the subjects, activities, and areas that interest you. When you were growing up there were subjects you cared about and others that did not interest you. In your heart you have developed passion for certain things; DANCE is a Passion. When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you. From this Passion you develop your goals and purpose in your Dancing.

I started dancing at the age of three in New York City. I did ballet for years, and wanted to become a ballerina, but my back was not strong enough for Pointe work. As discouraged as I was at the age of nine, the Passion to dance did not leave me; so I started to study modern and jazz. I was in a modern company at the age of sixteen; and at eighteen I landed an incredible dance job. I was chosen to be in the dance act of the "Discothèque Dancers", five girls and one boy. This act toured with the Beatles in 1965; and danced at Shea Stadium. After that I danced on Broadway, and Television. There was a period in my life that I totally gave up dancing; but the Passion never left my heart. A number of years later, I actually took a Ballroom Dance lesson at Fred Astaire studio in New York City. I was hooked, and became a competition student for a while; but the Passion to dance was so strong, I quit my executive job, and became a Ballroom instructor. This is where I met my professional dance partner David Van Hamilton. We danced together for ten years, in all styles of Ballroom Dance, majoring in Theatrical/Exhibition style, and American Smooth; winning many competitions. David and I also had an Adagio Nightclub act, wrote a Theatrical Manual/Video for Arthur Murray International, was on the dance board of AMI, and coached many couples both amateur and professional. Eventually David and I went in different directions.

My Passion for Ballroom Dance was embedded in my Heart, as I am sure it is in yours. As life progresses, and we do also, especially in age; you will have different roles at different stages in your Ballroom Dance life; but your Passion remains. For instance in my Ballroom Dance life, I no longer compete, or perform professionally; but my Passion for the Ballroom Dance Industry is still strong. I am still involved in other capacities in the industry. I try to utilize my experiences to help others, like writing this column is one way I reach out to dancers. Never think that as you age, your Passion goes, it just moves into another dimension; and actually is more seasoned like an aged steak.

There are many avenues to utilize your Passion of Ballroom Dance. If you are a student Ballroom Dance may be just the outlet you need to feel more alive, to release anxiety, and a new way to meet people. As a professional, many opportunities develop as you mature in your dancing, such as, shows, judging, owning a studio, and training others. If Dance is and has been your Passion, do not ever give it up even if you cannot perform anymore. Stay involved and connected in this wonderful Ballroom Dance Industry. Keep Your Passion Alive!

Susan Silva is an NDCA National Championship Certified Adjudicator in all styles of Ballroom Dance plus the Performing Arts. Former Theatrical, Exhibition, and American Style Champion. Broadway, Television, and Film Performer, toured with the Beatles in the mid 60's, Author of a Theatrical Ballroom Syllabus, Choreographer & Lecturer. Available for judging, lectures, choreography, and coaching. Susan is also a Personal Dance Life Coach, certified and ordained to council people in all areas of life.