A few words of inspiration from some of Humphreys DancSport Competitors
Grete Kasi - Australian Professional Ballroom Champion 2012 and teacher with Humphreys Dance Studio
"I commenced dancing when I was six years old. One day I had seen a ballroom dance competition on TV and told my mum that it interested me.
When she saw my enthusiasm she signed me up for the next school dance class. Naturally I first began in a children's beginners dance class. I loved it so much that to this day I have never stopped dancing.
Daily dance training became a huge part of my life. Dancing was just as important as my education was but I viewed it as so much more fun and entertainment at the same time.
Being in a studio environment gave me sense of belonging, especially since I felt like a kindred spirit with a certain group of dancers. I had the best group to socialize with and feel safe. Till this day many of the friends I have made along my journey in dancing are still very close friends even today. It was just so much fun learning and laughing together and many of my best memories are related to those times in dancing.
If I had to be specific the most valued experiences I had were:
• Dancing with and competing against my friends;
• Wearing beautiful dresses, make-up and shoes;
• Travelling and meeting interesting new people;
• Winning trophies;
Ballroom dancing has taught me how to communicate with other people, given me so much confidence in myself as has fine tuned my body in the best way possible, by giving me correct posture, body tone and a healthy way of life. It's also taught me to be disciplined and kept me fit and happy.
I am most grateful to my mother and thank her sincerely for listening to me and taking the time to take me to my first dance class. I can’t imagine a better or more adventurous exciting life than being a professional ballroom dancer.
I love it, and would urge anyone that it is never to late to start!"
Grete Kasi
Australian Professional Ballroom Champion 2012
"I commenced dancing when I was six years old. One day I had seen a ballroom dance competition on TV and told my mum that it interested me.
When she saw my enthusiasm she signed me up for the next school dance class. Naturally I first began in a children's beginners dance class. I loved it so much that to this day I have never stopped dancing.
Daily dance training became a huge part of my life. Dancing was just as important as my education was but I viewed it as so much more fun and entertainment at the same time.
Being in a studio environment gave me sense of belonging, especially since I felt like a kindred spirit with a certain group of dancers. I had the best group to socialize with and feel safe. Till this day many of the friends I have made along my journey in dancing are still very close friends even today. It was just so much fun learning and laughing together and many of my best memories are related to those times in dancing.
If I had to be specific the most valued experiences I had were:
• Dancing with and competing against my friends;
• Wearing beautiful dresses, make-up and shoes;
• Travelling and meeting interesting new people;
• Winning trophies;
Ballroom dancing has taught me how to communicate with other people, given me so much confidence in myself as has fine tuned my body in the best way possible, by giving me correct posture, body tone and a healthy way of life. It's also taught me to be disciplined and kept me fit and happy.
I am most grateful to my mother and thank her sincerely for listening to me and taking the time to take me to my first dance class. I can’t imagine a better or more adventurous exciting life than being a professional ballroom dancer.
I love it, and would urge anyone that it is never to late to start!"
Grete Kasi
Australian Professional Ballroom Champion 2012
Craig & Grete dancing in Blackpool
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A short interview with Dianne Van der Poel for a different point of view on DanceSport in Perth
Dianne and her husband Martin have been dancing together and competing in DanceSport since 1998. They were both involved in Humphreys Dance Studio for many years as social dancers and both of their children also danced competitively for many years. They joined DanceSport Competition in the Masters Division.
Q: What style of competition dancing are you involved in ?
Dianne: New Vogue & Ballroom and previously danced Latin too
Q: What is your favourite part of competitions?
Martin: When we dance well
Dianne: I do enjoy the actual competition - both dancing and watching
Q: How often do you take lessons?
Dianne: Twice per week - once each style
Q: What is your favourite thing about dancing as a whole?
Martin: the satisfaction of improving
Dianne: Its something we do together; it involves both mind and body
Q: What advice or recommendations would you give to newcomers getting into dancesport competition?
1. Enjoy it ! Remember its for fun
2. Practice lots
3. If you are older (like us) be patient - dont expect miracles.
Dianne and her husband Martin have been dancing together and competing in DanceSport since 1998. They were both involved in Humphreys Dance Studio for many years as social dancers and both of their children also danced competitively for many years. They joined DanceSport Competition in the Masters Division.
Q: What style of competition dancing are you involved in ?
Dianne: New Vogue & Ballroom and previously danced Latin too
Q: What is your favourite part of competitions?
Martin: When we dance well
Dianne: I do enjoy the actual competition - both dancing and watching
Q: How often do you take lessons?
Dianne: Twice per week - once each style
Q: What is your favourite thing about dancing as a whole?
Martin: the satisfaction of improving
Dianne: Its something we do together; it involves both mind and body
Q: What advice or recommendations would you give to newcomers getting into dancesport competition?
1. Enjoy it ! Remember its for fun
2. Practice lots
3. If you are older (like us) be patient - dont expect miracles.
Some Kind Words from Daniela - one of our Recreational Competition Dancers:
I first came to Humphreys Studio less than 2 years ago to learn Salsa. I was new to WA and needed an excuse to meet people and get some exercise. Other than a few years of ballet as a child I had no previous dance experience and was more than a little hesitant to come and give it a go on my own. Luckily, Jacky talked me into it and now I practically live in the studio! In less than 2 years I have gone onto enrol in Modern, Latin, Argentine Tango and of course Salsa classes. I am enrolled in medal classes, performed in a Salsa floorshow and have just started competing in ballroom competitions! What can I say, it becomes addictive! More than that, I have met some amazing people. The teachers are fantastic and I have improved so much more than I would have thought possible. I recommend everybody interested in dancing to give Humprhey’s a go, you never know what you can go on to achieve!
I first came to Humphreys Studio less than 2 years ago to learn Salsa. I was new to WA and needed an excuse to meet people and get some exercise. Other than a few years of ballet as a child I had no previous dance experience and was more than a little hesitant to come and give it a go on my own. Luckily, Jacky talked me into it and now I practically live in the studio! In less than 2 years I have gone onto enrol in Modern, Latin, Argentine Tango and of course Salsa classes. I am enrolled in medal classes, performed in a Salsa floorshow and have just started competing in ballroom competitions! What can I say, it becomes addictive! More than that, I have met some amazing people. The teachers are fantastic and I have improved so much more than I would have thought possible. I recommend everybody interested in dancing to give Humprhey’s a go, you never know what you can go on to achieve!