For Mike and Inge of London Ontario, dance is not a livelihood — it’s simply fun. They did not want a second career after early-retiring from professional jobs. Instead they saw dance as a hobby they could enjoy year-round …together!!Starting at age 50 with Ballroom and CW, they were soon travelling the U.S. to learn popular ‘street’ styles like Carolina Shag, West Coast Swing, Nite Club 2-Step, Hustle, Salsa, etc. …dances emphasizing smoothness, lead-follow skills and on-the-fly choreography — and better-suited to current music and smaller dance floors. They made a point of learning from as many pros/champions as possible (60+) and dancing socially from Myrtle Beach to LA. However it wasn’t until they won contests in the U.S. (where friends encouraged them to teach) that they finally agreed. Since 1996 their classes have attracted adults of all ages (teens to retirees) from across SW Ontario. But local classes were just the beginning…To date Mike and Inge have instructed on 30+ cruises for 5 lines (mostly 15 to 30 days) throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and South America, and to Alaska, Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia, NZ. etc.. They have enjoyed repeat invitations to teach at WCS events in Canada and the U.S., and for clubs and studios in the GTA, Hamilton, KW, Detroit and Buffalo as well as overseas in Beijing, Cape Town, Barcelona, the UK, NZ and Australia. They have been featured in the media, taught swing in schools, performed with a symphony in front of 1400 cheering patrons, and demo’d Carolina Shag at a major travel convention for the NC state Tourism Bureau. Few in Ontario (or beyond) can match their experience!!
Mike and Inge use positive reinforcement and practical solutions to highlight the fun of partnered dance. They are best known for the clear way they present material, and for their frequent use of humour to help the learning process. In addition to effective lead-follow technique, they enjoy sharing ways to look (and feel) “cool” on a dance floor.Again, for Mike and Inge dance (and teaching it) is a love, not an obligation!!