Having a Ball!

Author: Allie Y.

Last Saturday the Lola ladies got the opportunity to learn the basics of ballroom dancing at Dancer’s Studio in St. Paul. It was like our own little version of Dancing with the Stars featuring Gordon Bratt, dance instructor extraordinaire, and three local ballroom pros as our partners. To mix it up a bit, Alexis brought Chris Reuvers from myTalk 107.1 to twirl and tango along with us. We learned four styles of dance: fox trot, tango, samba and swing. Being new to the ballroom dance world I decided to look up some fun facts about each of the ballroom styles we learned. Did you know that…

Fox trot: The original name of the fox trot was the "bunny hug" and the most popular fox trot song is "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and his Comets.

Tango: There are more than 10 different styles of the tango

Samba: Samba music features Brazilian musical instruments with names like the Tamborim, Chocalho, Reco-reco and Cabaca.

Swing: Swing dancers are often referred to as "Jitterbugs".


Despite the fact that I towered over everyone in my heels (I’m 5’11 without them), Chris is rhythmically challenged and none of us had any ballroom experience, we all made a pretty good first showing on the dance floor. My favorite style was swing because Gordon took the lead I felt like a real ballroom star!

"You are the picture, and I am the frame," said Nic, Allison’s extremely dapper partner. "Let me show you off."

I don’t think I was a very graceful picture, but I tried! The Lola Red ladies had an amazing time at Dancer’s Studio, we will definitely be back!