…to all the lindy hopping, samba stepping, dance moms in the world.

Being a mother is often a thankless job.  I’m not a mother, but I have one, and I don’t thank her enough for all the wonderful things she’s done for me, the ideas she’s exposed me to and the loving support she gives me as I move about the world obsessing over old fashioned dances.  On top of all that, she’s been a working (now retired) mom who – on top of running after me and my father – volunteers her spare time to projects that she loves.  Go Super Moms!

There are some other Super Moms I know:  these women have day jobs and little ones to care for, but by night, they are super stars on the dance floor!  Some of these women are dance instructors – they share their passionate love for dancing at weekly venues (such as Atomic Ballroom) and they gather the family together for trips to weekend workshops.  Some of these women are avid social dancers and community promoters who keep our local dance scenes alive.  All of these women find ways to balance family life, child care and expressing themselves in ways that make them happy.

I’ll never forget the stories I used to hear about lindy hoppers at the Savoy Ballroom who brought their babies to practice.  And now that my generation of swing dancers are having children, I get to see it first-hand!  There is something incredible about seeing children exposed to dancing the minute they exit the womb (and sometime even earlier).  It is quite satisfying to know that this is the next generation of dancers.  These children may go on to be professional ballerinas or gymnasts or lawyers, but they will likely have some connection to dance – thank you dance moms!

I’d also like to give a special Happy Mother’s Day shout out to Nikki Marvin, our Atomic Ballroom proprietor, international swing dance instructor and mommy!  Nikki danced through her first pregnancy – and I’m talking flyin’ lindy hopped while pregnant, wow – has raised a beautiful daughter (who’s learning to dance!) while running a growing dance studio, and is now pregnant with her second child!  Your dedication to dance and motherhood is inspiring!  Happy Mother’s Day Nikki!!

 And Happy Mother’s Day to all the other dancing moms out there!

 

Dance Videos for Mom

Choreographers and dancers combine forces in expressing their appreciation and love for their mothers.  Share the love of dance with your mother – and if you are a dancing mother, share the love of dance with your children…this is what they are capable of when exposed to arts at an early age!

Travis Wall Choreography on So You Think You Can Dance – “Fix You” with Alison & Robert

Tyce Diorio Choreography on So You Think You Can Dance – “A Woman’s Work” with Melissa & Ade

 

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Atomic Ballroom

Mother’s Day can be celebrated all week long, so if you’re looking for something different to do with your mom, why not come down to Atomic Ballroom for a dance lesson?!  Check out the Calendar for a class schedule or refer mom & dad for a chance to win an iPad!!