Sharing a Passion for Ballroom Dancing
by Toni Daylor
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire brought ballroom dancing to the silver screen in the early 20th century, as they glided across the stage with precision, grace and beauty.
Ballroom dancing has been a means of social interaction for hundreds of years, and today, this form of dance is experiencing an increase in popularity thanks to hit TV shows like Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. Couples, young and old alike, can see the benefits of ballroom dancing — from the joy of mastering a routine to the great workouts practice sessions produce.
Nannette Sweet, owner and operator of Nannette’s Inc., is an award-winning professional ballroom dancer who, at one time, was nationally ranked sixth in this competitive dance sport. According to Sweet, she has wanted to dance since she was a child. Her lifelong dream was realized, and she wants to share her passion and the joy of ballroom dancing with others.
Nannette’s Inc., owned and operated by Nannette Sweet (right), offers ballroom dance instruction for beginners and experts alike.
“You don’t have to be an accomplished dancer to come to our classes,” Sweet said. “In fact, the majority of our students have never had a dance lesson. Our Introduction to Ballroom class is designed to teach people the basics of ballroom dancing in a welcoming and nonintimidating atmosphere. Generally, students come in feeling self-conscious, but soon realize that most of the others in the class are in the same boat. Our goal is not only to teach the basics, but to make sure everyone has a good time doing it.”
After students have completed the Introduction to Ballroom class, they can continue with beginner classes, which focus on one dance for an eight-week session. Following this, students are encouraged to take intermediate classes to build upon what they have learned.
Advanced students who choose to enter the arena of ballroom dance competition can continue to receive instruction at Nannette’s.
Calling upon her 25 years of experience, Sweet has instructed myriads of students from beginners to experts in the traditional ballroom dances of the waltz, fox trot, swing, cha-cha, salsa, rumba, merengue and tango. Specializing solely in ballroom dancing, which is defined as any dance that is done with a partner, Nannette’s does not offer jazz, tap, ballet or hip-hop classes.
Ballroom classes are taught in eight-week sessions that include one 55-minute lesson per week. To learn at a faster rate, many students take multiple eight-week classes at once.
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to take dance lessons, so we keep our fees very reasonable,” Sweet said. “People aren’t taking big vacations or spending a lot of money on entertainment, so we believe taking dance lessons offers another entertainment alternative.”
The fee is $90 per person for each eight-week class, and students who take multiple classes within the same eight weeks enjoy a reduced fee of $80 per eight-week class. For a 55-minute private lesson, the cost is $75. Nannette’s instructors also can conduct in-home group classes for $30 per person, per hour. Instruction for groups of six or more is available for an additional cost.
“It’s a fun way to spice up a party or function,” Sweet said.
Another way to introduce someone to the world of ballroom dancing is through a Nannette’s gift certificate.
According to Sweet, her clients take classes for many reasons. Some of the most popular are learning steps for an upcoming wedding, mastering a new skill, using dance as an avenue for social interaction, and using it as a way to get exercise in a fun and social atmosphere.
Another benefit of dancing with a partner is the renewed sense of connectivity and enjoyment of a shared activity.
“Dance makes couples stronger for so many reasons. It’s almost like couples therapy,” Sweet said, with a smile.
“Once you are in the ballroom community, people will be surprised at how many venues they can go to dance.”
Outside class, students can reinforce what they have learned with the purchase of a DVD or CD of dance music. Practice parties are planned each month, allowing students to dance in a controlled setting.
Every year, students look forward to Nannette’s Showcase, where they can celebrate their personal dance accomplishments. Students don costumes and perform choreographed routines. The event includes general dancing and food for all in attendance. Friends and family also are welcome at the gala.
Nannette’s offers classes in six locations — Altamonte, Celebration, Clermont, Dr. Phillips, Longwood and Winter Park.
“My goal is to have classes within 20 minutes of anyone living in the Greater Orlando area,” Sweet said.
Nannette’s employs a staff of trained instructors with years of dance experience.
“In addition to being skilled dancers, our instructors must truly love to dance and demonstrate a desire to develop helpful and nurturing relationships with our students,” said Sweet, who stressed that though professional instruction is given, the main focus of the classes is to have a good time.
“Watching the transformation of the beginners is probably the most rewarding aspect of teaching for me, because I see them challenged and sort of stumbling at the start of the session, and by the end of the eight weeks, they are floating across the floor,” she said. “It is very satisfying to me to see the students develop a love for dancing that I have enjoyed all of my life.”
For more information about classes, locations and policies at Nannette’s Inc., call 386-532-2624 or visit www.nannettes.com on the Web.
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