Have you ever imagined gliding along the dance floor with your partner in perfect time with the music? Are you worried your moves aren’t ready for the invariable YouTube video of your wedding dance? Would you love to find a fun way to get some exercise or lose weight? Do you want to be ready to wow ‘em on the dance floor at that upcoming anniversary party? Has the “date night” dinner and a movie routine gotten a bit stale? Are you ready to take that next dance step and enter a competition? Or do you just feel like you’re in a rut and you need to shake things up? If you can answer yes to any of those questions, then Michael Raisch and St. Pete Dance should be your next call!
St. Pete Dance’s Origin Story
Dance has been at the center of Raisch’s life for more than 30 years. As a champion ballroom dancer, a competitive-dance coach, and a certified ballroom dance judge, he also traveled extensively for most of those years. Born in New Jersey, Raisch fell in love with St. Petersburg 15 years ago and made Historic Kenwood his home. But constant travel meant he never spent as much time here as he liked. He knew that if he wanted to become a real part of the ‘Burg, he needed to stay put. Just over a year ago, he committed to teaching Tampa Bay to dance! And St. Pete Dance was born. Just three blocks north of Central Avenue on 31st Street N (in the old Georgie’s Alibi Plaza), the studio is a perfect location for lessons or dance parties. Another advantage: lots of free parking just steps from the door.
Why is Michael Raisch the perfect instructor for you?
As an award-winning dancer, coach, and judge, Raisch’s credentials are impeccable, but it takes more than technical dance skills to be a good teacher. Raisch has that something “more.” His attitude is infectious. His clients describe him as “high energy” and “fun.” They praise him for his “ability to take the complicated and make it doable.” He knows that “anyone can learn to dance,” and he’ll quickly have you believing in yourself. Before you know it, you’re reaping the many benefits of dancing. It’s fun, and you’re exercising your mind, body, and spirit. Plus, your selfconfidence will soar as you hear yourself say “I can dance!”
Photo by Emily Canfield.
What if “I don’t have a partner” or “I already know how to dance”?
One of the many great things about St. Pete Dance is that Raisch makes it easy to join the fun. If you don’t have someone to join you as a partner for lessons, you can take individual private lessons or be partnered with an instructor during a group session. Or if you’re thinking “I already know how to dance. Why should I take lessons?” For one, because Raisch can take you to the next level! So whether you dance just for fun or for competition, he can help you add some “wow” to your routine. Or if you’re thinking “Okay, but my grandmother taught me how to waltz, what else do I need to learn?” How about the tango or samba or west coast swing or the fox trot? No matter your skill set, Raisch and St. Pete Dance have something to offer.
SUPER SPECIAL OFFER FOR GREEN BENCH MONTHLY READERS!
“Dancing is as easy as walking,” Raisch notes. All lessons are guaranteed. If you are not 100 percent satisfied with your progress, there is no charge for your lesson. St. Pete Dance normally offers two introductory lessons (individual or with a partner) for $39. As a special offer for Green Bench Monthly readers, mention you saw this article and you’ll get those two introductory lessons for only $29.
Where Can I Get More Information About ST. PETE DANCE?
For more details on what the St. Pete Dance has to offer, visit them on the web at StPeteDance.com. You can also reach Raisch by phone at (727) 280-6962 or via email at [email protected] The studio is at 3138 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg.
