MANSFIELD — When Tom Stewart began taking ballroom dance classes, he hoped it would be a good way to get out and meet people. His wife had passed away a few years back, and at 73, Stewart knew it was important to stay active.
So when he heard about the classes offered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, he decided to give it a try.
t was there, learning the cha-cha in a church basement, that he met Ruth, the 70-year-old widow he’d marry four years later.
“She was a lot of fun, so I asked her to go out, we went out and we had a good time,” he said. “It just happened.”
Ruth was just as surprised. Her first husband had passed away 10 years prior, and she had stayed busy volunteering and spending time with her grandkids.
“I didn’t even realize I needed someone until he walked in the door,” she said.
The Stewarts aren’t the only couple that met on the dance floor. Instructor Carolyn England estimates that between 40 and 50 people have found a spouse at her classes. Many are widows and widowers.
“That’s been really rewarding, to know that you’ve been bringing people together,” England said.
England has always loved to dance. She began as a competitive ice dancer in her teens, but switched to ballroom after her children were born. For the last 18 years, she’s shared her passion for dance as an instructor, teaching everywhere from cruise ships to colleges. Some of her favorite memories as a dance teacher are of her visits to local high schools.
“The young people are so enthused about it,” she said.
England has taught dance in Spanish classes at Mansfield Senior High, Hillsdale High School, Mansfield Christian, Lexington and Clear Fork.
England has offered classes at her church, Holy Trinity, since 2000. The walk-in style classes are open to everyone and no prior experience is necessary.
“We start with a beginning step each week,” England said.
Students focus on a particular dance style for two to three weeks, then switch to the next genre. The rotation at Holy Trinity includes the waltz, fox trot, east coast swing, bolero, samba, polka, cha cha, rumba, bachata, meringue and tango.
“Tango’s my favorite, because the men get to be real manly,” England said. “It’s a drama.”
Many of the dancers have been coming for years, forming friendships along the way. The “dance family” goes out to eat after class, shares information about upcoming dance events and even helps teach new students.
Jeff and Johanna Allen had no prior experience in music or dance when they started coming to dance class three and a half years ago. The couple agrees that the support of fellow class members, who were always willing to offer advice or demonstrate moves, was a crucial part of their success.
“They’re the reason we can dance,” said Johanna. “I think it took the whole group to get us where we’re at.”
The openness of the group makes it a great option for those who have never danced before.
“They’re really laid-back and everyone makes everybody feel welcome,” Tom Stewart said. “I’ve seen a lot of people start (the class) who have two left feet, myself included.”
Although they’ve made new friends and becoming skilled dancers, the Allens say the best thing about the dance class is the way it’s impacted their relationship. Dancing offers couples a way to spend quality time together and learn how to better communicate.
“If (I’m) doing my own thing and she’s doing her own thing, the dance won’t work,” Jeff explained. “Outside of God, it’s the best thing we’ve done for our marriage.”
If you’d like to try ballroom dancing but are nervous, England’s advice is to just go for it.
“Learning is the best part of anything,” she said. “I’ve had people who come in shaking, but after the first class, they’re fine … Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll be glad you did.”
England’s classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Mansfield. Anyone is welcome and you do not need to come with a partner. The cost is $6 per person, payable at the door.
The church will also be hosting a Spring dance on April 21 from 7 to 10:30 p.m and a 1950s-themed dance on June 16.
For more information, contact Carolyn England at 419-565-8426 or via email at dancingthrutime@yahoo.com.
