Below are some stories explaning why our students are dancing and why they chose ABC.Here is why Bob Smith has become "Latin" Bob:As a student, I know that in my first year of group lessons, then private lessons, I made rapid progress and thought I was pretty good. After several more years of private lessons, I realize that I have a lot to learn, and that Alan and his teachers have a lot to teach. Arizona Ballroom Company brings many different benefits to us. I took up dancing as a way to get out, socialize, and meet people – OK, to meet women. Arizona Ballroom Company was where I met my wife, Pauline. Since then, dancing has become much more to me. When I am at a showcase or competition, doing a solo routine – a bolero with Pauline, a cha cha with my teacher Leslie, or a Saturday Night Fever routine as a John Travolta wannabe with my teacher Ramona – we get applause and acclaim, something I do not get from my engineer boss. When our formation team gets applause and high marks for a waltz, cha cha, or tango routine, the recognition is no less gratifying. I know that many other students receive the same benefit, knowing that they can overcome performance anxiety and do something well. The experience enriches our lives in this way. In addition, the studio is a place where we can escape the other cares of life and work, and meet friends before and after lessons and at Friday and Saturday night dances.
Katie Purcell has another perspective on why she dances at ABC.I have always loved to dance and I have danced socially most of my life. I chose Ballroom Dancing to learn something different and it has changed my life greatly. Dance has given me confidence and inner strength that has been missing in my life for sometime. I have found dance to be a great form of exercise. I have lost weight, I have better posture, it has made me mentally stronger and it warms my heart. I have reached dreams and goals I never knew I had, such as dance competitions. I love to compete; it gives me the chance to dance my very best. I don't compete to win; I compete for the experience it gives. "I do not try dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself." - Mikhail Baryshnikov. Not only have I made new friends at ABC, the instructors and students have become like family. My instructor is Andrew Piorkowski who has become my mentor, partner in dance and my best friend. To all who dance, enjoy the experience it brings with all of your heart.Katie Purcell
Charlis McVey is another enthusiastic student and supporter of ABC.When I was younger, I wasn’t interested in ballroom dancing because it seemed like something my parents would do. Now I wish I had discovered it years ago! It’s fantastic fun! Arizona Ballroom Company is a great place to come learn. The staff and fellow students have been warm and welcoming. My instructor John Caballero makes the lessons fun and challenging –they are the highpoint of my week. He has become a friend I value highly. I’ve been dancing for a year now and I could list a whole range of benefits – new friends, the satisfaction of learning a new skill, a great social life with dances nearly every Friday and Saturday night, and so on. But for me, it all boils down to this: dancing makes me happy. Gliding with a partner across the floor or capturing the rhythm of a Latin beat together - it’s like flying. Moving as one, whirling in patterns, it’s pure happiness.Charlis McVey Click here to see Charlis dancing with her instructor John at a showcase 
Jowana Clinkscales loves dancing and tells us why...I had several excuses for not dancing such as " I have two left feet," "I have no rhythm," and "I look goofy when I dance." I use to sit at home on the couch and watch shows such as "So you Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars," and only wish I could dance. All of that changed when I started taking lessons at Arizona Ballroom Company. Dancing has changed my life for the better. I have more self confidence, I have made some great friends, and I am much happier. I believe that dancing is good for the heart, mind, body, and soul. Words cannot describe how much I love and enjoy dancing. My instructor John Caballero makes the lessons so much fun and enjoyable. He is very patient and encouraging, and he is an awesome instructor, mentor, and friend. The whole staff at Arizona Ballroom Company is amazing, everyone always has a smile on their face and they are very welcoming. I feel like we are all one big family. Dancing is the best thing that I could do for myself and I am so glad that I found something that makes me so happy. Jowana Clinkscales
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