a) As someone with a background in ballet, tap and jazz, how important do you think that kind of dancing is to learning to ballroom dance?  Or can someone who hasn't studied dance previously learn to dance just as well?  

I think a background in any kind of movement in dance helps, even freestyle.  However, someone who has no background and does not even seem to have rhythm, can often times become a better dancer in the long run because they've had to work so hard for it.  It's kind of like the kid in high school that doesn't have to study for good grades versus the kid who has to work really hard to get good grades.  When they get to college, the kid that didn't have to study, flunks out, the other kid does great.

Well I do think that International Fox Trot is hard, but I am learning this lovely dance with Lee Santos.  I actually was thinking about the American Fox Trot.  It's true that I love the music.  There's something magical about floating around the dance floor with a partner and together hearing all of the little nuances and breaks in the music, and then applying them to the dance right then and there.  To me, of all the ballroom dances, Fox Trot is the most spontaneous.  Terry Dean does this better than anyone I know.

c) You've told us in the past that dancing changes lives.  How do you think that it changed your life? 

My life has been changed forever because of dance.  I have learned to work as a team with a partner.  I have more confidence, stand up straighter, move with more grace (I was a tom boy) and embrace my feminine side.  In dance, I am able to express many aspects of my personality.  For example, a Waltz brings out a more elegant and ethereal feeling, dance a Cha Cha, and experience a more spicy and sexy side.  I believe it's healthy to be able to express myself in so many different ways.

d) You've told us that you loved partner dancing when you discovered it, teaching at an Arthur Murray studio.  What makes partner dancing better or different from solo dancing in your opinion?  I'm thinking of the ice skating in the Sochi Olympics too... did you enjoy the pairs more than the individuals' competitions?  

Sometimes I do enjoy dancing by myself.  Most of the time though, I love partner dancing.  It's more enjoyable to share an experience with someone.  And when all the pistons are firing and you are in sync with your partner, it's just plain FUN!  By the way, I do enjoy watching the couples ice skate more than the solos. 

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