Education | August 2014

Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, August 2, 2014 7

“Dancing is a way to stimulate yourself mentally — to retrain your brain on how to move. It’s good for every aspect of the body — it’s great for your joints, cardiovascular health and your nervous system.”

Dance lessons great for body & mind

Students take part in dance classes at the Ted Motyka Dance Studio. Photo by Darcy Finley

While it may seem intimidating with its gleaming hardwood floors and historic architecture, its instructors are thrilled to welcome beginners. “Ted and Margaret (Motyka) are so down to earth, so lovely and welcoming. They are both highly trained and passionate about international ballroom — they love dance, and they love sharing that passion with everyone else,” said Ward. “Ted is an amazing dancer and a great instructor. He specializes in international ballroom and has a completely different background and knowledge of dance after coming from Poland and competing in Europe.” The studio teaches classes in a variety of different dance styles on a rotating schedule. Students can learn everything from west-coast swing to the tango, foxtrot and jive. Ward teaches a number of classes in street dancing as well. “We’re always growing, always taking on new programs and new dances,” she said. “We usually have two floors running at the same time with different dance lessons. Everyone has rhythm — it’s just a matter of whether or not we’re in tune with it. I believe that everybody can learn to dance.” For more information about the Ted Motyka Dance Studio and the classes they offer, please see their website at www. teddancestudio.com/index.php or call 204-989-0704 or 204- 633-2530. You can also email them for more information at info@teddancestudio.com. The studio is located at 460 Main St., one block north of Portage and Main. ■

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press D ancers tend to be happy people, and for good reason. Not only is dancing fun, but it also gets your blood and endorphins flowing. Dancing is great for mental fitness and can help build a sense of community, said Debra Ward. Ward, a dance instructor at Ted Motyka Dance Studio, has been teaching others how to dance for over a decade. She still participates in dance competitions in the United States and Canada as well. “Dancing is a way to stimulate yourself mentally — to retrain your brain on how to move,” she said. “It’s good for every aspect of the body — it’s great for your joints, cardiovascular health and your nervous system.” As long as you can move, you can dance. Ward said that this kind of exercise is suitable for all ages. And the longer you practise, the better you become. “We consider dance to be a lifelong journey. You’re always growing in your ability, and you’re never too old,” she added. “Age is no barrier. When I see an older couple dancing together, it makes me happy. It’s beautiful to watch.” The Ted Motyka Dance Studio offers different dance lessons each month throughout the year. The studio is somewhat unique in that all ages are welcome in some of the classes and many classes don’t require participants to pre-register. “We don’t lock you into anything,” said Ward. “Singles are more than welcome. We do rotate dance partners in our classes. There is a great benefit to being able to change partners, but you can stay as a couple if you really want to.” The studio has group classes, private lessons, and kids’ and teen dance classes available. They will also prepare you for dancing at your wedding. In September, beginner rhumba and waltz classes will be offered, along with cha-cha lessons, intermediate and beginner salsa classes, and the hustle. On Friday nights, the studio holds practice parties from 9 p.m. until midnight. Practice dances are free if you take the group class held before it, or $8 for drop-ins. There is also a salsa practice dance on Wednesday nights from 9-11 p.m. “Fridays are a fun night here. The practice parties are for ballroom as well as Latin American and street dances,” Ward said. “The dance community becomes its own family. You build such great friendships. I’ve met some amazing people through dance.” On Saturdays, the studio focuses on classes for youth. “Dance doesn’t get a lot of exposure in Winnipeg, but there is a huge opportunity for young people to become competitive dancers,” said Ward. “There are no limits. You take it where you want to go.” The dance studio is located in an old bank building in the Exchange District at Main Street and McDermot Avenue.

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