" when she misses a class, she’s sick for a week until she can get back again."
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Linda Martin is the MSBU August, Dancer of the Month. Linda supports the dance community with a strong sense of volunteerism and dedication, particularly with ballroom. After sitting down and spending some time with Linda, it became clear that for her, dance is strongly rooted in her desire to share quality time with her husband, Marshall. Her commitment to the dance community is a reflection of the positive aspect dance can bring to maintaining a successful marriage or relationship.
Linda began her dance interest with stepping. Her and husband, Marshall took classes with Brian Patterson (Steppin B). However, Linda says that when Brian moved out of state, it was a loss and there was a decreased interest to continue with stepping. The goal for them was to find something they both enjoyed and could build upon. Linda and Marshall soon began taking ballroom classes with MSBU. Linda states it best when she said they fell in love with ballroom the first day, and liked the good, mellow teaching style of the instructor.
She has been ballrooming for four years now and has been a great asset to the dance community. When asked what drives her to continue with classes, the main motivations are her desire to set aside time as a couple to have what she calls ‘date night’. There is also a strong bond among the members of the class. Attending class offers an opportunity to continue building upon the friendships made. Besides that, Linda says when she misses a class, she’s sick for a week until she can get back again.
Linda adds to her involvement in the dance community by volunteering to help make classes and events successful. There are regularly new students introduced to ballroom and stepping through Linda’s persistent reminder to friends, family and coworkers to get out and enjoy all of the positives of the dance community. Linda says many of her friends know both the instructor and students by name before they come to class for the first time because of how much she talks about dancing.
When asked if she has any advice to share, Linda says “stay out of cliques, get together and enjoy each other because this should be fun”. She also made a point to say that gossip is treacherous. As far as the ballroom community is concerned she wishes her husband would practice more at home (hint, hint). Also, more men are needed and for those men who know how to ballroom, they need to get out there and do it. Finally, Linda advises people to come out and see ballroom. She says “If you can’t grasp stepping, ballroom may be just right for you or if you’re looking to add to your skills ballroom can help you develop moves for stepping or bopping”.
We often hear of the positive aspects dance community brings. Linda is a leading example of how support of the dance community can be beneficial in one’s personal life and for the greater good of the community. If you are a couple looking for something special to share together, she advises to make class time your date night. It will bring you closer as a couple. They have a beautiful chemistry that is inspirational within itself. If you are already a member of the dance community, consider inviting your friends to join you at events and classes.
A successful dance community is made up of so many elements; good instruction, great organizations, and reliable venues to name a few. However, it will be in vain without the good people who support and help maintain its growth and positive influence.
Congratulations Linda Martin - August Dancer of the Month.
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