Workshop at Benjamin Franklin High School
On March 28, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest instructor at Benjamin Franklin High School, working with about 40 students across two ballroom dance classes. Our focus for the master classes was the lively and playful Cha Cha Cha.
In just 45 minutes for each class, we dove into partnering skills, technique, musicality, and worked together to put together a short routine that showcased everything they had learned. And while the steps and patterns were fun to teach, what really stood out to me was the energy in the room.
There’s something special that happens when a group of dancers , especially students who may or may not be new to ballroom, start cheering each other on, laughing through the tricky moments, and celebrating each small victory. Every time someone figured out a new step or finished the routine, the room lit up with smiles and applause. It was a beautiful reminder that dance is so much more than just technique or perfect execution, it’s about connection, joy, and community.
As a teacher, I walked away from this experience with a renewed love for ballroom dancing. It reminded me that everyone has something unique to bring to the dance floor, no matter their experience level. Dance creates space for people to support one another, to be playful, and to share joy in movement.
Thank you to the students and faculty at Benjamin Franklin High School for welcoming me so warmly. I left feeling inspired, energized, and grateful to be part of a dance community that knows how to celebrate every step of the journey.
Below are short clips of the classes and routines the beginning students were able to learn and perform.
