About Us
Welcome to the finest and longest operating ballroom dance studio in the Madison area. At The Right Step, you are not treated as a $ or just another body to fill a group class. You are respected as an individual with unique qualities that are waiting to emerge in a larger more passionate manner. Our approach to waking up the brilliance within you is simple and yet dynamic and inspiring. Come and see why most of our students have enjoyed dancing in our studio for an average of over ten years, many even longer. We offer a "down home" elegance, commitment, and a three thousand square foot dance floor to serve your dancing needs, as well as identifying the moving metaphor within you. Come and experience The Right Step and a higher side of living. In doing so you will add more fun and enjoyment to your life. Give us a chance to show you what we do best.
Mission Statement
To bring the gift of dance to all people in a positive, practical, and ethical manner through inspired and illumined experience at a minimum financial expense.
To help students discover the "hidden brilliance within themselves through movement".
Philosophy
Would you be surprised to find that learning to dance is not just about gaining a social skill and pleasing someone else, but, more importantly, about empowering all aspects of your life and living? As we walk along our path, the wonder and joy of living is revealed to us in many new and exciting ways, and dancing is one of the "best kept secrets" of empowering your life.
At The Right Step, you can learn dancing from highly skilled, certified ballroom dance instructors. You will be respected as an individual with unique qualities that are waiting to emerge. You will learn how to wake up the "brilliance that is within you" in a dynamic and inspiring way.
Dakota and Gwen have each over twenty three years of dance experience and movement training. This experience enabled them to develop a unique curriculum and methodology for teaching dance at all skill levels. They treat the body as an instrument and by using appropriate techniques you will experience health-enhancing benefits, gain the skill of dance, have fun, and grow in an understanding of your own moving metaphor.
Give us a chance to show you a higher side of living through an adventure in dance that will provide exercise, fun, and open you up to a new possibility of improving important relationships, increasing self-esteem, reducing stress and empowering your life.
Bios
Dakota:
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Dance instructor for 23 years
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Professional Dance Competitor
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Adjudicator
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Choreographer
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Studio owner since 1987
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Associate Lecturer University of Wisconsin- Dance Department
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Coach of Badger Ballroom Dancer Team and the UW Dancesport Team
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Winner of many national titles in Latin, Smooth, Theatre Arts and the Collegiate National Rhythm Championship
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Organizer of the Capitol City Ballroom Dance Competition
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University of Wisconsin / Performance and Choreographer Major
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Extensive gymnastics training/Holds a Black Belt in two separate Martial Arts
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Basic Facilitator in Shadow work
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Theophostic Healer- working toward ordination/ ministry
Dakota has developed a unique methodology and approach in presenting dance to his students. Energy work, psychological processes, awareness training, and humor are some of the components of Dakota's lesson time. Dakota is a presence of joy, healing, and self empowerment. He believes that there is not a superior style of dance or dancer -- only that when a participant discovers the true essence of dance, they also uncover the "hidden brilliance within themselves."
Gwen:
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Dance Instructor for 23 years
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Studio owner since 1987
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Adjudicator
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Choreographer
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Organizer of the Capitol City Ballroom Dance Competition
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Professional Competitor
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Disciplines include- Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Baton Twirling
Holding a BS in Nursing, Gwen brings a balance of emotional, psychological, and physical expertise to the ballroom world, enabling participants of dance to find their "inner brilliance."
A beacon of positive energy and light, Gwen is able to facilitate her students far past their desired expectations. Gwen's strength is helping people create a positive self image through movement techniques, and psychological processes.
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