If you want to take singing lessons, you search for a seasoned professional vocalist; if you want acting lessons, your first choice would be an award-winning actor who has appeared in high-caliber productions. If you want to take dance lessons, you go to Michael Raisch, owner of St. Pete Dance. With worldwide experience as a champion dancer, coach, and competition judge, you won’t find anyone more accomplished to teach you to dance your way into the new year.
He Loves The ‘Burg!
But don’t let his considerable dance experience intimidate you! Michael loves St. Pete just as much as you do, which is precisely why he decided to settle here after so many years of travelling. “St. Petersburg is the best big little city,” states Michael. “The city itself is beautiful, with a strong sense of community and so many different things to do around the area. Culture, arts and fun, but not so big as to get lost in the shuffle.”
Michael is thrilled to have found a home in his beautiful local studio. “I’m so proud of what my students have accomplished, their constant improvement and the camaraderie within the studio,” he smiles. Even if you have two left feet, Michael has the patience, talent, and love of teaching to get you moving to the beat. The private lessons offered at St. Pete Dance provide the personalized attention needed to learn just what is right for each individual client. “Everyone just needs to be shown one step at a time.”
The Hardest Part is Walking Through the Door
“Dancing is just like anything new you want to try,” he says. “Sometimes the hardest part is just starting and walking through the door. Most students are surprised just how easy and fun it is to learn to dance. We pride ourselves in making sure that everyone feels comfortable in the lessons, tailoring them to their specific level and rate of learning.” Just let those nerves melt away and hit the dance floor! If only I could convince my husband to dance…
I asked Michael how he handles situations in which one half of a couple is psyched, while the other is more wary. “We make sure that the couple has fun and feels a sense of accomplishment right away. We breeze past any initial reservations by providing a wonderful experience at lessons and practicing at our dance parties.”
Innumerable Benefits
If that’s not enough to make you want to slip on your dancing shoes, consider all the perks of dancing. “The benefits of learning how to dance are endless,” Michael ensures. “It’s more than just learning to become a good dancer; the benefits carry over to everyday life. Exercise, better posture, confidence, a sense of achievement, and meeting new people, just to name a few. Romance is added back into relationships; a common interest is shared between partners that they take with them anywhere they go.” Sounds like all your new year’s resolutions in one fantastic package, no?
If you’re ready to go for it, grab a partner, or just fly solo, and sign up for the studio’s introductory special of two lessons for just $39. “We teach mainly with private lessons to work on your individual needs,” explains Michael. “Then there are group classes to learn figures and practice parties to try out what you’ve learned in a fun, safe environment.”
Ring in the new year with some snazzy new moves! St. Pete Dance is located at 3138 3rd Ave N. Check out their website at www.stpetedance.com, give ‘em a call at (727) 280-6962, or email [email protected].
