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Social dance has endured from time immemorial. While the reason and purpose
sometimes varies, people in society have danced with the act itself bringing them
closer together. Only in the last several centuries, with the last 90 years in particular,
has dance in Western culture assumed the position of entertainment as it's
predominant purpose. No longer is dancing for a good crop of food or deliverance
from enemies, modern man dances for fun, exercise, or to attract a mate. And here is
where one native Nebraska man believes society has danced off the path.
Meet Paul Schmieding. Recently married and in his 40's, this Ballroom pro and actor
has spent (on and off) the last 20 years teaching people to be sociable and
respectful on the dance floor. "Ballroom dancing isn't always about finding a date. I
might remind you that these days men and women my age - minus ten or plus twenty
years - have very few social options whenever they might have a spare Friday or
Saturday night together. They don't want to go to a meat-market club where good
manners are a thing of the past, and popular music is as alien to them as the video
games out now. They want a rich and entertaining experience with others like
themselves, where afterwards, it can be said this was time well spent".
Is that even possible anymore?
"Oh, of course it is", Schmieding continues. "I was trained and groomed with the
famous old national studio chains that expected excellence in teaching and competitive
achievement. But I was never completely satisfied because I didn't fall in love with this
sport to win dance contests". It should be noted here that Schmieding was a Mid West
Regional Champion and Dance Director with the Fred Astaire Studios, and as
recently as this past summer, all his competing students took at least one top
regional honor. "There are Ballroom, Latin, and Swing nights everywhere. The very
idea of learning ballroom is hard to beat. Ballroom puts you close to a lot of great people
of all ages and walks of life, the music is legendary, and it's one of the most fun ways I
know of to burn 200-400 calories in an evening."
Did you say 400 calories?
"Yes, and remember it takes around 2,000 calories a day just to keep your body healthy
and running smooth, and that's without even getting out of bed. But the calories burned
is just a bonus. What better excuse is there for getting dressed up and going out again?"
An Old Idea Brings A Fresh Experience
"By my way of thinking, dance is not a competition, it's a celebration". Schmieding has
strong ideas about what Ballroom dancing is. "I love good, strong dance music from any
era. And more than that, I love dancing with a partner who'll help me bring the moment
to life just as Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly did. Did you know that fast Latin dances work
beautifully to slow jazz or rhythm and blues music? That is why my students are
introduced to variety and expression almost from the beginning. They're also taught
Ballroom etiquette, including how to ask someone to dance, and what to do when you
hear or say the word NO".
Schmieding believes an old idea is ready to come full circle.
"Men and women have grown too far apart from each other, and an evening of Ballroom
dancing is just the answer they're looking for. That's why in the coming months, the
Signature Studios will be developing unique and distinctive event evenings filled with
new friends, fine dining, special opportunities, and music like you haven't heard in
years... and of course, professional examples of what ballroom can be like to spark your
imagination. Remember the name 'Schmieding Signature Studios'. After an evening with
us, you'll wish a place of this type existed!
Schmieding Signature Studios
| For The Stylish Generation |
