Dancing can have lasting benefits for your mind, body and soul, not to mention the fun and social interaction it can bring.
These are the attributes that Susana Leung, who has been teaching line dancing for the past seven years, is hoping to raise awareness about.
“I first started with small private groups for ladies who wanted something fun to do with friends, like dance, but did not want to visit the club scene,” said Leung. “Or for some, they love to dance but their partners were reluctant. Line dancing requires no partner.”
Leung took her program to KinVillage in Tsawwassen three years ago and what started with eight students has now grown to a roster of more than 50.
She said some of the students have performed on stage at the Tsawwassen Sun Festival, while others have done so at area care homes.
Leung currently teaches one absolute beginners class and two other classes with mixed skills at KinVillage and one evening class of mixed skills at Ladner Community Centre under Delta’s performing arts program.
“The style of line dance that I teach is primarily Latin and ballroom-style dance steps with occasional country-type music,” she said. “This is not to be misidentified as ballroom dancing; we use the word “style” to clarify.
“Line dancing is a wonderful way to put body–mind movement to music. In other words, a workout for the brain and body. Line dancing is a no-partner-required dance activity, suitable for men and ladies. The steps are generic and not separated by a man’s lead or a lady’s follow.”
She said anyone, no matter their dance experience, can learn.
“Experience tells me that students can learn any dance with good instruction and there is always a cross mix of student skills coming together,” she said. “My goal for students is in the fun, the friendship while they are learning the skill and to celebrate themselves through their expression on the dance floor. This is what inspires me the most, a way to celebrate ourselves through dance.”
Besides her dance classes, there are other places to dance locally such as Shari’s Saturday Social at KinVillage.
“Ballroom and line dancers, couples or singles, should not be discouraged when they see this ad in the community events in the Optimist,” she said. “More and more dancers of a variety of ages are coming out to this event for the love of dance.”
To learn more about Leung’s classes, call KinVillage at 604-943-0155, the Ladner Community Centre at 604-952-3000 or visit www.deltareg.ca.
