Geneva couple proves ballroom styles still rule the dance floor
From ballroom to the bachata, salsa and swing, there’s room for everyone on the dance floor at the St. Charles Park District’s series of classes for adults.
This fall and winter the St. Charles Park District will offer its traditional classes for individuals, including salsa and a new hip hop class as well as ballroom classes for couples. One of the newest classes is urban line dancing, which is an exciting addition to the lineup, explained Tera Harvey, recreation supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
“Urban line dancing is different than traditional line dancing infused with hip hop and R&B,” Harvey said.
One of the common reasons couples join the ballroom dancing classes is to prepare for a special event, like a wedding, anniversary celebration or other special occasions, explained Bob Fuzak, the dance instructor for ballroom dancing with the St. Charles Park District.
While some students come for a single class session, many discover the joy and camaraderie in the classes. Bob said in his advance ballroom class several members return each session as their excuse for a date night and because it’s a place to enjoy dancing. Each session he tries to introduce new moves and music to keep the class entertaining.
“They come every week, year-round,” Bob said.
Elizabeth added, “They are very welcoming.”
Bob and Elizabeth met while he was giving dance instruction at evening classes at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. Bob said he noticed Elizabeth from the start, but figured she was dating her dance partner. Elizabeth said her dance partner, merely a friend, was tired of listening to her talk about the dance instructor and encouraged her to talk with him. One day after class, she invited Bob to join her for a Blackhawk game and they had their first date rink side. The couple has been married 31 years and Elizabeth noted when they married, the reception venue included a double-sized dance floor and all of their family and friends spent the night dancing.
Elizabeth joined him as his dance partner and co-instructor, but once they started a family they couldn’t keep up with classes and hung up their dancing shoes. Several years ago, the Geneva couple returned to the dance floor and haven’t looked back.
Bob became an instructor as a teen. His mother is a dance instructor and when her students at the College of DuPage wanted to learn disco, she invited her son to help teach. He had learned through classes at the Lisle Park District. Bob said it wasn’t long before the college gave him his own dance course and in the height of its popularity, he recalled teaching twice a night, four times a week with waitlists for the classes.
With each new session of students, it’s inevitable that at least one is reluctant, or claims it will be impossible to learn.
“I take people who have struggled to learn and break it down so it’s very easy to understand,” he explained.
A bad knee, limited shoulder mobility shouldn’t stop a dancer either. Bob said he is able to modify movements and help his students feel comfortable. He’s even worked with a student who has vertigo, helping her find modifications to keep dancing.
“Bob does a really great job with students,” Elizabeth said.