No experience required
The first time I walked into Warren Eaton’s dance studio I was nervous.
I was there to meet him as my new dance instructor and training partner in a fundraising show for hospice. Me, dancing? Good grief.
The perennial wallflower who never sets foot on a dance floor was about to step smack dab in the middle of a very public one after agreeing to dance in a popular community event called “Swinging with the Stars.” The very notion of it gave me the jitters. But it also made me feel more alive, and that’s how I knew I was doing the right thing.
“Anyone can learn to dance,” Warren assured me. “Anyone.”
Turns out, 17 years earlier, this incredibly talented dancer was one of the “anyones” he was referring to.
Not the least bit interested in dance at the age of 20, he happened to notice a help wanted ad looking for dance instructors. It wasn’t the job that caught his eye. It was the subheading in the ad: no experience required.
“I thought that was weird,” said Warren. “How could they be hiring dance instructors who didn’t know how to dance? It didn’t make any sense to me.”
After seeing the ad a few more times he decided to call the number out of curiosity. Once he hung up the phone he took a giant leap of faith and decided to sign up.
He quit his construction job and started an intense full time, two and a half month instructional program that taught him, one other fellow, and a room full of ladies, how to dance and teach others to dance.
“I had to survive without a paycheque for a while - so that was rough,” he said. “But I also didn’t have to pay for the course, so it was a great opportunity.” Not knowing what to expect, he figured he’d meet some nice girls at the very least.
To his and his family’s surprise, he discovered that he loved to dance. His newfound passion directed him to a fork in the road that he never would have imagined for himself.
After completing the program and instructing for six years, he decided to take his skills to a whole other level. Packing up, he moved to London, England where he trained for the next five years at the world’s top latin ballroom dance school.
Back in Canada with his own dance studio, he has been instructing grateful students like me.
Why am I so grateful? Because he took my two left feet and magically made one of them right in just 15 lessons. He also helped me get over my intense fear of performing in front of an audience.
Terrified to do our routine in front of even the small group of people at our recent dress rehearsal, I was somehow okay two nights later performing it in front of the large, elegant audience at the main event.
Not only did I get through it with a huge smile on my face, but I had the time of my life doing it. No kidding – the time of my life.
Warren Eaton was right: anyone can learn to dance. Anyone can learn to do just about anything – no experience required.
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I just watched your video clips. Looks like you could give Jacki and I some pointers on dancing. Good Job great articles keep em coming.
WOW, WOW, WOW YOU CAN DANCE! I smiled throughout the entire performance, and I teared cause I know how hard you had to make this happen and you achieved it with flying colours! Lil mam you’re the best!!!!!!
I just watched your Swinging with the Stars video clip – absolutely fantastic Lori !!! You simply continue to amaze me with your talent in many facets of your life. Dancing with the Stars must be next on your agenda. Cheers !!!—Bob Detwiller
Another great read Lori !! Can’t wait for the clip. I’ll be able to say ”I knew you when.” Keep up the great work!
Anyone can learn to dance? Well, my two left feet would probably disagree. But you and Warren were definitely the crowd favorites that night!!! And if the voting was left up to the three judges who all gave you the best marks by far, there was no question you should have won that event hands down. Keep dancing and keep writing, girl. Your friends were very proud of you for going outside your comfort zone and entertaining us the way you did! Good job for all that money you raised for Hospice too!
I’m so impressed Lori! Good for you! It reminds me of the story told to me by an older couple who took dance lessons while dating and the man, who started out so backwards and shy, ended up becoming a dance instructor with his wife. He said he relunctantly took those first dance lessons because he loved her and was so surprised when he ended up loving to dance too.
Anyone can learn to do just about anything – no experience required. What a great story and so true…. I look forward to seeing the video, well done Lori, terrific work…
Dear Lori,
One of the things I like to do is ask people how they ended up in the marriage or career they’re in. Sometimes, as with the case of your dance instructor, their story is laced with fate. It confirms for me how we need to keep our eyes open for opportunities, because you just never know. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to seeing that clip of your dance!
Jill Hawskins
Great retelling of his story Lori!
Good story. I stumbled across an ad something like that when I was a young fella. But another job came up – escort. Just kidding. I went to work in a plywood mill. But confidence can help you achieve.