My mother taught me to dance when I was 10. It was her idea, but a good one – it changed my life. As I grew, and associated with girls, I was always one step ahead of the other guys who were learning to dance, which encouraged me to keep dancing. 10 years later, I started to perform and teach, and I joined “Teutonia Mannerchor” where I learned the Viennese Waltz from Viennese expatriates. We met every Saturday night to waltz and polka the night away.
For many years I danced waltz, polka and international folkdances, along with whatever the band might play. I joined a Schuhplattler performing group and performed Schuhplattler for many years.
In 2003 I had become active in The Atlanta Waltz Society, and the leader of that group, Sid Hetzler, encouraged me to become a DJ, and to teach waltz, which I did. When Sid retired, I took over AWS and converted it to WaltzPlay,. After a few years I converted it to management by a board of directors. From 2003 to 2007, I danced waltz weekly, and often was the teacher and DJ. I still sometimes dance, DJ and teach at WaltzPlay.
In 2004 I started dancing Argentine Tango as well – weekly lessons and milongas (tango dance) on most weekends. And in 2005 I began to DJ tango as well as waltz. I continue to study and dance Tango, and DJ and teach, and spread the word about the enormous possibilities to be found in dancing Tango.
To contact me, email: Jay@JayTango.com