part 27

George and I enjoyed the best years together in our marriage and our dance life. We took dance lessons together in 2 step, waltz, EC swing, and Cha Cha. George did not line dance but supported and helped me with step sheets music, organizing classes, Class schedules and calendars. He was there to check people in at the door when I started teaching in community centers, making sure I got home safe from CW clubs and bars and later from gigs I was booked for such as private functions, birthday parties, company events and private club functions.

We also started Couples dance lessons at our community Center in NMB and George taught with me often remembering the sequences and really good helping the men to lead the women through the routines. When I look back it’s amazing to think how incredible he was and had never danced in his life till he was 50 years old.

Once I had made a name for myself locally, I started to be asked to teach at events and workshops throughout the state of Florida and this was a big step towards taking my career to a higher level. The workshops were held usually at a hotel with several ballrooms set aside with several dance instructors from Florida and from other states coming in to teach dances. Back then was usually 1 to 3 dance rooms and only a few instructors with dance lessons in the day and then review of dances and open dance in one ballroom at night.

We had a lot of instructors, who came to learn and bring back new dances to teach their classes at home. I met and worked with many dancers and teachers and choreographers at these events. Through these events, I developed a new following of dancers and my workshops became well attended and I was invited to go to other events outside the state of Florida.

Unfortunately, it was not possible for me to travel to these events then, because George was working and was the main breadwinner and had part time job besides his full time job. We could not go away and I did not want to go without him so I stayed local most of the time. Even weekend events in Florida were difficult because his 2nd job for Miami Herald was 7 days a week. But we managed to find someone to do it for him so we could attend some of them and then we met someone who gave us the opportunity to do European tour. Would be like dream come true to teach in England.

till next time. keep dancin’  Stella