Melissa’s Love Letter to the Dance in the Region
As a five year old, I had a dream of becoming a Radio City Rockette and the first female President of the United States… but that’s a different blog. My parents enrolled me in tap dance lessons where I loved learning from my teacher Miss Michelle, an NFL Cheerleader with the Buffalo Jills. After about a year I was ready for my first recital, playing the role of a bunny, and while that was fun, I began to hate going to dance class. I was ready for something a little more challenging, but didn’t know how to communicate that to my parents. Instead they interpreted my frustration as a dislike for dance, and thus, my dream of being a Rockette was shattered and I was a tap dance drop out by age 6. But, my dancing didn’t end completely as a child. I have vivid and fond memories of my grandfather teaching me the basic ChaCha steps using the tile pattern on their kitchen floor to help with remembering foot placement.
“Fast forward many years, and I still have a passion for dance. Fortunately, living in the South Bend-Elkhart region means I don’t have to look far to indulge in this passion. ”
Whether I’m taking lessons at Forever Dance Studio, attending performances at the Morris Performing Arts Center, or costuming a show at the South Bend Civic Theatre, I’m constantly reminded of the vibrant arts and culture scene we are lucky to have in this community.
My love of dance was rekindled when I joined enFocus in May of 2021. At about that time we started rehearsing a Latin Medley choreographed by Amy O’Day for the Center for the Homeless’ annual fundraiser, Dancing With Our Stars. My colleagues told me it was something I had to do and that I would love it. And while I enjoyed learning the routine and working on costumes for our group, the night of the fundraiser I was so nervous I couldn’t eat my dinner. Once we were on the dance floor and the first notes started, muscle memory kicked in and I was ready to rock.
Shortly after Dancing With Our Stars, I became engaged and my now husband and I decided to take some dance lessons prior to the wedding. I may have cut together several videos of people dancing to our song to help create a routine that our amazing instructor, Nicole, turned into our first dance. No matter how well I knew our routine, dancing it for the first time in my wedding dress provided a challenge I had not expected. There’s a reason performers do full dress rehearsals! Unlike most couples. We had a chance for a repeat performance and were honored to perform our first dance a second time in Forever Dance’s Showcase a few months later.
Then it was time for another Dancing With Our Stars, and enFocus was paired with Nicole as our choreographer for a Ladies of Pop routine. At that point I was hooked, and my husband and I have been taking lessons ever since. We rotate through Rumba, ChaCha, Hustle, Foxtrot, Tango, Salsa, and East Coast Swing. There are times we struggle to remember patterns and other times where one pattern flows to the next effortlessly. I can say that having a year or so of lessons under my belt, made my third Dancing With Our Stars routine to a Broadway medley, so much easier to learn!
One of the things I love most about dance in our region is the incredible sense of support and encouragement. The local dance community is welcoming to dancers of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned performers. I see this firsthand at Forever Dance Studio, where instructors and other dancers foster an environment of learning and fun. I’m always amazed at how fellow dancers will take a few minutes to stop dancing at a Friday Night Dance Party to teach a beginner a basic step or answer questions. I’m excited to share that I’m now far enough in my dancing journey that I was able to teach newcomers the basic step for East Coast swing!
“Whether you’re looking to take your first dance lesson, attend a Broadway-caliber show, or simply enjoy an evening of live music and movement, this region has something for you.”
There are numerous venues that bring world-class and local productions to our doorstep. Social dance enthusiasts can find salsa nights, swing events, and ballroom gatherings throughout the area, including at venues where live music enhances the experience. If you are curious about dance, I encourage you to check it out - you might just find some new dance partners and friends.
It’s about time to earn a fourth Dancing with Our Stars trophy, three of which are sitting on my mantle in my living room as a daily reminder of the joy it has been to see colleagues and community members step outside their comfort zones, learn something new, and raise funds for an important cause—all through the power of dance. This year enFocus will be celebrating the World of Pop.
Please consider supporting us and the Center’s amazing work.
