May 2019 Students of the Month
Congrats to Sandy & Kelsey!
Read on to learn more about them!
My name is Sandy Pudar. I grew up near Midway Airport and now live in the South Loop. I also work in the city at (hopefully) everyone's favorite TV station - WGN.
-What brought you to BDC?
I had long expressed interest in trying dance, but never did anything about it. My brother and sister-in-law surprised me at Christmas with a gift certificate to BDC. It has been the best gift ever!
-Did you have dance experience before coming to BDC? If so, explain.
I don't have any dance experience, unless you count the bad club dancing I did in my college years and early 20's. :)
-How long have you been dancing at BDC?
I started in January of this year.
-What is your favorite style of dance?
I love all the ballroom styles that I learned, and was shocked how much I enjoyed the tango!
-Why do you keep coming back to BDC?
It's been a long time since I've had this much fun. I leave every class feeling renewed and so happy. I can't stop smiling after class.
-What are your goals when you dance? To have fun? Explain as much as possible.
I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I concentrate really hard and don't ever want to miss a step in class! But overall, my goal is to just learn something new and enjoy it. I had no idea I would have as much fun as I am having.
-Do you use your dance skills in any social settings (like out at a bar or gala or at studio parties)?
I attended BDC's end of the month social gathering in March and had a blast! I plan on attending Spring Awakening this month and look forward to dancing with other students.
-What would you say to someone that is thinking about taking classes here?
Don't hesitate and sign up! You will be amazed in the first class alone how quickly you can learn steps and twirl around the dance floor. Let loose and go for it.
-Anything else you want to add?
Thank you to all the amazing teachers at BDC who have made my experience so fantastic! Without you, it wouldn't be possible!
My name is Kelsey Bakas and I’m from California!
-What brought you to BDC?
I wanted to have an indoor activity during the cold, dark winter, and I've always had a desire to be a better dancer.
-Did you have dance experience before coming to BDC? If so, explain.
I have never really done any formal dancing, just a few swing dances and square dances, as well as opportunities to dance at weddings with experienced dancers. I had never participated in dance classes before signing up for classes with BDC.
- How long have you been dancing at BDC?
I have been dancing at BDC since January.
-What is your favorite style of dance?
I'm not sure that I have a favorite yet. I really enjoy ballroom, especially foxtrot and waltz.
-Why do you keep coming back to BDC?
I love the instructors and how dedicated they are to helping me learn, all while making sure we are having fun! Learning with others has been really engaging and it's beneficial being able to practice with different partners. It's a really welcoming, non-judgmental environment, and I always feel energized after class.
-What are your goals when you dance? To have fun? Explain as much as possible.
I'm really trying to become a better follower, since I often fight against the leader or overthink what the next step should be. I also like trying to improve the timing of my dance steps since it is really easy for me to get off rhythm. And of course, I always want to have fun while trying to master the new steps.
-Do you use your dance skills in any social settings (like out at a bar or gala or at studio parties)?
No, not really. It's a little hard to start waltzing at a bar. But I do really enjoy attending the end of month showcases at BDC and I'm really looking forward to the Spring Gala!
-What would you say to someone that is thinking about taking classes here?
DO IT!!! SIGN UP NOW!! It's been such a great experience and extremely rewarding.
-Anything else you want to add?
I look forward to class all week and to catching up with the instructors and my fellow classmates.
Sandy (left) and Kelsey (right)