Those who cannot fit a University dance course into their schedule or those who simply want to go dancing virtually any day of the week can go to the newly-opened Staver DanceSport. Opened in September, the studio, which offers a plethora of dance options, can be useful, educational and fun for people of all ages and experience levels.
“What we offer as a part of our studio is we teach people ballroom dance, smooth and standard dance and Latin and rhythm dance,” said Linda Staver, PRO/M Instructor, Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor and
Certified Adjudicator registered with the National Dance Council of America. “We also have a ballroom dance teacher’s college that trains people to become certified ballroom dance instructors recognized by the National Dance Council of America. It is the only one in Oregon.”
The smooth and standard dance classes offered at the studio are tango, quickstep, waltz and fox-trot. The studio also offers rhythm dances featuring swing, cha-cha, rumba, samba, mambo/salsa, bolero and the meringue. The daily dance schedule changes each term. Dance classes typically last anywhere from four to eight weeks and add up to approximately $10 per week. A full calendar of the dances
offered this term can be found at www.staverdancesport.com
“Ballroom dancing is a terrific relationship tool,” said David Olson, a ballroom dancer of 15 years.
Olson said that ballroom dancing is a fun activity that
allows he and his wife to enjoy quality time together. Olson, who has been training to become a professional ballroom dance instructor under Staver’s instruction, has noticed a popularity rise in ballroom dancing within the Eugene population.
He said ballroom dancing is especially welcoming because it has levels that are social and fun, but it also has levels that are competitive and athletic.
“Ballroom dancing is a wonderful option for people of all ages to come together and enjoy one another’s company,” Olson said, referring to his 6-year-old son, who has taken up the hobby.
The studio also provides private dance lessons with eight types of lessons to choose from, including one where students can design their own program.
Friday and Saturday nights at Staver DanceSport provide a variety of special opportunities with all-ages dances. Specialty dances are offered twice a month, featuring an upcoming Turkey Trot (a lot of Fox-trot and a mini dance lesson), Friday, and the Big Band Ballroom dance, Dec. 3.
Saturday night ballroom dances, typically attractive to
students, feature classical and oldies music played by a DJ. Dances cost $5 per person, last from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and
provide an alcohol/tobacco-
free environment.
The people who work at Staver DanceSport each contribute a lot to making the
studio as successful as possible. Herman Reyes voluntarily helps manage the studio, he teaches salsa and meringue classes, he trains under Staver’s teacher’s training program and he DJs every Saturday and every other Friday at the studio’s dances.
“I’m really learning a lot,” Reyes said. “Staver DanceSport is a good place to practice dancing. It is comfortable and convenient. It has a big floor, and you get the chance to learn about all types of dance in just one place, with the very best dance instructor.”
Staver said her work at Staver DanceSport has been a positive experience thus far.
“(Being at) Staver DanceSport has been a very successful experience. People enjoy dancing. This is an environment where people enjoy dancing for the fun of it.”
To make an appointment for a private dance lesson, call Staver at 746-6268.

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