On their toes
Ballroom dancing helps youths gain confidence
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
| Article published on Friday, July 14, 2006 |
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| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
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| Dance instructor Candace Gloger shows Kevin Greenlaw of Pinellas Park how to waltz. |
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PINELLAS PARK – A group of youngsters are using ballroom dancing to learn self-respect and confidence and ways to overcome shyness.
Gone is the rap, the hard rock and the thundering beat of other loud music.
That has been replaced with the waltz, tango and fox-trot.
Three times a week the teens exchange their sneakers for high heels and dress shoes to practice the fancy steps once only associated with Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers.
On Sept. 29 they will strut their stuff at the organization’s gala event in front of Danny Glover of the “Lethal Weapon” movies that also starred Mel Gibson.
The program, “Ballroom Dancing with Candace,” is sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Pinellas County and tutored by Candace Gloger, a professional dance instructor.
“I always loved dancing,” the Chicago-born Gloger said. “I come from a family that enjoys dancing at family reunions.”
Living in such places as Virginia and Colorado before settling down in Tampa Bay 18 years ago, Gloger owned a dance studio in Seminole. She now plies her trade at senior citizen homes, schools and elsewhere.
“Dancing gives these kids an opportunity to feel good about themselves, gain confidence and learn social skills,” Gloger said.
The pilot class was launched May 29 with 10 youngsters. They practice for 90 minutes each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Local businesses have donated ceiling to floor mirrors that cover an entire wall and also dance shoes. They are being asked to provide enough money for the program to expand to other clubs and to public schools.
Some youngsters come from troubled backgrounds and dysfunctional families. Dancing teaches them self-confidence and how to present themselves to others, especially to future employers.
Just recently they attended a program at the Vinoy Resort Hotel in St. Petersburg, where they witnessed professional ballroom dancers.
“It helps get them off the streets,” Gloger said, “and it makes them feel good about themselves.”
The youngsters are slated to appear at the Freedom Square Retirement Center in Seminole to perform for senior citizens. The interactions between the teenagers and seniors will help each understand the different generations.
Anybody interested in making monetary or other donations to the ballroom project should contact Carl Lavendar, the club’s executive director, at 546-9113.
Gloger can be contacted by calling 643-8328.
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Article published on Friday, July 14, 2006
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