What Students Are Saying
Anette Gonzalez wanted to learn to dance ever since she was a child. She remembers that her mother was always watching the Spanish Dancers and always listening to music. "I was the only one in our family without any rhythm", says Annette. After talking to a friend about her desire to dance, they both decided to take some lessons at Ballroom in Motion. "That was the best decision I have ever made". "At the time I was going through some very difficult physical problems and dancing has given me a new attitude. Instead of giving up I found myself feeling better about myself, having more self confidence and consequently I began taking better care of myself. I have enjoyed it so much and Teena Marie is just a fantastic teacher. I love her energy and vibrancy. You can be in a room full of people and Teena Marie can make you feel like you are the only one there. I started by taking one class and now I am taking four. I think that about says it all!"
Kay and DuVal Lawence moved to Augusta about eight years ago. They have been dancing for about five months. Kay bought dance lessons for DuVal for Valentine's Day because she was looking for something they could do together. They have very hectic schedules and dance class is their place "to meet up." After looking on the Internet for dance studios in the area, Kay decided to give Ballroom in Motion a try. After talking to Teena Marie on the phone, Kay said it sounded like fun and it is!! "Teena Marie is a great teacher and we have so much fun on our lessons." "The other students are great and we are so glad we came here."
Errol Jackson is a student at MCG. His experience includes leading his church dance team, "Dances for Christ", in hip hop, jazz and modern dance. This is his first ballroom dance experience and he says, "I just love it!" "I find dancing exhilarating." "It gives me a break from being a student and makes me feel free." "It is a good way to socialize and I have made a lot of friends since I have come here." "As for Teena Marie, I think she is phenomenal." "I have been to several workshops and other dance schools and no one else compares to Ballroom in Motion." "I found this school by looking and comparing other studios on the Web and when I saw that Ballroom in Motion was the fun place to be...I knew that was the place for me!" "Teena has inspired me so much that I am considering being a dance teacher in my future."
Bill Doker has lived in Augusta for over 40 years. He has been ballroom dancing for the last ten years. He started dancing with Teena Marie and has never wanted to go anywhere else. He says Teena is his "first and only." After his wife passed away he was looking for a way to get out and meet people. Since he had wanted to learn to dance ever since he was a teenager, he tried ballroom dancing and has loved it ever since. "It is really good exercise and it feels good to get out and dance." "You meet a lot of people, it's lots of fun and there is no pressure here." "Teena is a pleasure to take lessons from and undoubtedly the best female instructor in town."
Nick and Mary are a busy professional couple who have lived in Augusta for 15 years and have been dancing for a total of about 4 years. "We were just going to take swing class", said Mary, with a big smile. Nick said, "I thought it would be stupid and now I love it!" "It is a sport we can do together and that we are equally bad at." "It is challenging but we learn together." "It is the best feeling when we can do a step just right and in synchrony." "Those brief moments keep us practicing." "It is a good social environment and Teena Marie is the best."
B.J. and Adair Blackwood have called Augusta home for 31 years. They took lessons from Teena Marie about 10 years ago for a short time. A friend got them interested in starting again about five months ago and they immediately started looking for Teena Marie again. They said they had gotten away from dancing and had really missed it. "It is such great exercise and a wonderful way to socialize and be together." "Teena Marie is so professional and wonderfully fun." "She has a great personality and makes it easy to learn." "It's a wonderful way to spend an hour!"
Walter and Elaine Andrae said that some friends got them interested in dancing about six months ago. It was something they had always talked about but they were busy raising a family and somehow just never got to it. Now the kids are grown up and this seemed like the right time to try it. "Teena Marie makes it so much fun to learn and there is no pressure to be perfect here."
Ken & Marilyn Hedrick have lived in Augusta for 27 years but have only been dancing for about two years. When Marilyn was looking for a school to attend she said she called all of the area schools and talked to everyone but Teena was the friendliest and nicest of all. They even tried another big school in town but they felt the quality of instruction was not as good and the music at Ballroom in Motion was so much better they decided to stay. "Teena knows how to teach different levels of dancers in one class." "We never felt intimidated as beginners as we did at the other school." "Even after two years we still learn something new in every class and we are always learning something FUN!" "You meet the nicest people here and there are many opportunities to dance in a smoke free environment." Ken chimed in that it took him years to try ballroom dancing but now he is a convert.
Mickey Newell was a student of Kevin Fords in the school where he previously taught. When Kevin joined Teena Marie at Ballroom in Motion, Mickey was not far behind. When you ask Mickey how she feels about dancing a big smile comes across her face and she just beams. "I love dancing and it really helps to keep you young." "It challenges your memory and boosts your self esteem." "What's the best part?" "Well, that would have to be the wonderful people you meet and the great fun you have." "And let's not forget that Teena Marie is without a doubt the best choreographer in Georgia."
Terrie De Roller is a 20 year resident of the Garden City and has been dancing non stop for the last two years. If you need to find Terrie you should check at Ballroom in Motion because if she is not taking a class or a private lesson she is in practicing. She takes her dancing very seriously and her hard work has paid off with amazing results. A friend recommended that she try it and she has never looked back. "When I come to class", said Terri, “I leave the world outside." "Kevin is a wonderful instructor and he always makes me feel so comfortable." "I have no worries or cares here and I have a great sense of accomplishment." "I am always learning new things and it is one way I can really express myself." "Teena Marie is the best thing that has ever happened to Ballroom Dancing in this town." "She is devoted to her students and puts them first above everything." "You never feel like it is all about her....she always makes you feel like it is all about you." "It really is the fun place to be!"