The Metropolitan Ballroom Blog
Where are the Men…??
Jim Manly’s explanation as to why men in the U.S. do not dance.
Q & A with Robyn Hamilton
Robyn is the Director of Business Relations for the Democratic National Convention Host Committee. Robyn has been a complete joy to work with. She has the best attitude and her energy is absolutely contagious. We promise you won't regret watching her dance the Tango on November 12th! When the YMCA asked you to be a part of 'Dancing for a Cause,' what was your exact response? Are you crazy! Did you mean to ask ME? What has been the scariest moment thus far? The first lesson. Realizing that five lessons would not be enough! The uncertainty of if I could ...
Q & A with Dr. James Howell
1. What were your initial thoughts when the YMCA asked you to participate in 'Dancing for a Cause?' I absolutely declined the invitation. I don't like the risk of making a fool of myself. 2. Have you danced prior to this event? Oddly enough, only twice in my adult life. Once as Clara's father in the Nutcracker, and once playing Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. So, evidently I only dance in front of large crowds... 3. What made you decide to keep this event a secret from your wife? Got the kooky idea that it would be ...
Q & A with ‘Dancing for a Cause’ Stars
Want to learn more about the twelve prominent leaders that are participating in the Center City YMCA's 'Dancing for a Cause?' Stayed tuned as we will post interviews with each star. First up, Dr. James Howell: Senior Pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C. James was the first star to come in for his initial lesson. He was hesitant and a little skeptical about what he was getting himself into. It turns out that James is extremely modest and doesn't know that he is a natural on the dance floor. We think he using ...
Tsunami Surfing – Not!
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami; Chilean Earthquake; Surfing in Nosara, Costa Rica; and Ballroom Dancing. What do any of these have in common with the other!? Most people I meet think of me as that guy who loves to dance. Many know that I am madly in love with my wife, Monette. Some know that I have a couple of college age kids that I am trying to launch. But there is at least another side to me that isn’t often exposed. I enjoy surfing! Yep, I surf the big waves of the Pacific Ocean every year just when The Heritage Classic Dancesport ...
Choosing the Right Dance Studio
Choosing a dance studio is just like selecting any other personal professional services company. You want to get the best quality and the best price – in essence the best value for your investment of your precious time and money. Being a student of my own studio, I understand what the concept of value means to both the serious and the casual dance enthusiast. This is also one of the reasons that I started Metropolitan Ballroom. Having been a student off and on for the past 17 years, and an officer of one of the best dance ...
Jim Manly’s Humble (and Funny) Beginnings
Taking Ballroom Dance lessons was one of those things that my wife and I were supposed to do with another couple to keep our marriage interesting and to give us an excuse to get out of the house every now and then. That was back in 1992 before Dancing with The Stars and other the other hoopla about dancing. As it turned out we should have taken those lessons because 2 years later we were separated and heading for a divorce.
There is a happy ending to this tale however…
