David Lusan

I started dancing simply because I wanted to get out my shell. I am very introverted and I did not wish to be wall flower any longer. So in the back of mind, I thought if I ever got the chance to dance I would, in my shy way, grab it or at least piece of it. That opportunity came when my next door neighbor tricked me into going to a dance class so I could partner her friend. I was too shocked at the time to refuse. I can still remember my first attempt at the waltz: talk about comedy hour. Then Purdue had a ballroom call out and I literally dragged myself to it. One small surprise was that there were lots of folks there just like me; at least I would like to think so. Thus began my dancing experience and what an experience it has been. To use an old cliché, I would not give it up for the world.

The first time I went to a dance studio (courtesy of my neighbor who had not given up on me) one of the instructors there told me with a twinkle in her eye that ballroom dancing was a sure way to a woman's heart (she used more colorful language but you get the idea). In my secret chambers I dubbed it "the last bastion of male chauvinism": A man is supposed to lead…where is the door? And then there are different styles: what on earth is American style, International style etc etc? Through it all, it has been a lot of fun. Each dance has its own special features but the basic concepts remain the same: check the ego at the door, get a little rhythm, and allow your partner to be who he or she is. It never ceases to amaze me of how this combination of grace, subtlety, and movement all works together.

I started learning Salsa because I wanted a fun dance to balance out my school work…which was by comparison no fun. After the (for me) obligatory fits and starts, I decided to give it a go and see where it led. Whew!!! It has been wonderful: the bodies moving and swaying together, the hands, trying to spin two circles and all the time trying to keep up with the music. And then you have that magical moment when everything clicks and your partner is actually smiling at you. Oh Yes!!! Then you feel like flying around the room. Erin has been a lamb…and the classes have been great. I am still in awe about how this all works. Dancing is such a beautiful gift. Give me more.