Esteemed Santa Rosa ballroom dance program: Taylor Ballroom Dance
Members of the Taylor Dance program(Courtesy of the Taylor Dance Program)
By Henry Miller, Staff Writer
Did you know that Santa Rosa is home to an 80 year old dancing program? The Taylor Ballroom Dance program is an experience in which adults and students from seventh to twelfth grade get instructed on ballroom dancing. It is known for helping teenagers with confidence and respect.
So what exactly would a dancer new to the program learn? For first year students, the main focus is American-style social dance and the developing of couple dancing skills. Second year students learn more fundamentals and choreography, as well as putting their attention on technique and confidence. Third year students and above can stay in the second year class and further expand their knowledge on these focuses. After this, students can audition for the Junior Instructors Program that is much more intensive. This class is held on Saturday mornings and is meant for committed dancers who are willing to sacrifice their morning.
Students at Maria Carrillo High School partake in the program and thrive. Freshman Chloe Hamlin said that the social aspect of it “forced [her] out of [her] bubble” which has helped her in “social environments.” For teenagers, this part of the program is vital for social growth. Sophomore George Martin stated that the program “extends past dancing,” and helps “teach etiquette to students learning how to become engaged members of a larger society.” This element of the program further demonstrates how important the program is for teenagers' social lives. Junior Jack Thomasson said that dance “brings together a group of people with a common passion and fosters a community that transcends the sport.” Overall, the community is supportive and hard-working.
One intriguing aspect of the ballroom classes is that there's a strict dress code. If a dancer chooses to wear a dress, it must be ankle-length, one piece, have at least one strap, and cannot pass your knees when it spins. Dancers who wear a dress must have thin-soled shoes, and if they're following the lead dancer, they must wear short white gloves. If a dancer chooses to wear a suit, they must wear dress pants and a shirt with a suit or sport coat. Along with that, they must wear a tie or bowtie and suede-soled dress shoes.
To add some background, the program started with the Burkhart family in the 1960s, was sold to the Nordquists in the 1980s, and is now owned by the Taylors. Students have always met at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building on Maple Avenue, across from the fairgrounds. Throughout the years, coaches have taught adults and teens alike how to waltz, Cha-Cha, and more.
The Taylor Ballroom Dance program offers a variety of classes to keep dancers motivated and having fun. Running from October to March, beginners classes are held on Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. where newcomers can get into the swing of things. That same night, intermediate classes are held from 8:05 p.m. to 9:05 p.m. for students in their second year of dance. After the season ends in March, the JT Swing Team starts in April. In this class, dancers will learn a choreographed dance created by eleven-time US Open Champions Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollmann. This class extends over the summer until August with classes held on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
As well as classes for teens, adult classes are available. A weekly West Coast Swing social dance called Downtown Swing is open to all dancers of all ages and levels of experience. These occur every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 534 Mendocino Avenue in downtown Santa Rosa. This class has beginners learning in the back ballroom, and experienced and professional dancers in the main ballroom.
Supporting this 80 year old program is vital so it can continue to teach teenagers and adults valuable lessons.
Courtesy of the Taylor Dance Program, The Junior Instructors Program