Phyllis J. Neuberger (For the Pompano Pelican May, 2007)
Danny Carter owner of Dance Moves at 220 E. Commercial Blvd., says, "Dancing is my passion and sharing the joy with others makes me richer than any amount of money I earn." He describes himself as once being a shy, overweight teen who got hooked on dancing by watching Bobby and Sissy on the-Lawrence Welk show.
At 21, he learned to dance at a Fred Astaire studio in Atlanta, Georgia. At 25, he was a National Champion on his way to New York where he became a member of the American Ballroom Theater and touring group. He began to teach at New York, University where he founded the ballroom dance team.
Carter's new studio in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea has an impressive, 2,600 square foot ballroom with a gleaming dance floor and state-of-the-art sound equipment that's computer ready for corporate presentation. Bordered with mirrors and live palm trees, it boasts three garden terraces for star gazers and smokers. There is a shower as well as a rest for each gender. |
In addition, the studio has a second 1,200 square foot ballroom with a separate entrance, bathroom, kitchen, and wet bar.
There's even a store room for folding tables, chairs etc. which can be used for parties, small beach wedding receptions and the like. Indicating the sweep of space in the largest ballroom, Carter says, “To me this is a center for the arts. My particular art and craft is ballroom dancing which I teach in this beautiful space, seven days a week. I provide movement, dance, fun, and entertainment for, singles, couples, men, women, and small groups of all ages.”
Dance Moves ballroom is also the setting for other artists such as Lady Fit, Yoga, Dynamic Rumba, Salsa Fix and Zumba who rent space to present their art. Carter offers a home to the visual arts as well. He explains, “If an artist does not have a studio, he can rent this attractive setting for a one man show.”
Floyd Flynn is one of Carter’s students studying the art of ballroom and Latin partnership dancing. He also rents the studio from time to time he says, “to perfect the techniques of |
what I’m learning and to create new choreography for myself in this beautiful venue. As a retired professional dancer, I find this space very conducive to art expression.”
In addition to all of his dance credentials, Carter is a certified personal trainer who specializes in therapeutic movement thru’ dance. He says, “I have extensive experience in pilates, the Alexander method of alignment and body awareness. I feel that our bodies are our personal instruments in life no matter what we do, be it a sport, dance or just walking. Body awareness and maintenance is each person’s responsibility. Learning to express oneself through body is the journey of dance.”
Asked what type of dancing he teaches, he lists “waltz, tango, fox trot, cha-cha, salsa, and difficult styles from American to international as well as social and competitive dancing. “There’s a big revival of interest in dancing from kids to the corporate world because of shows like Dancing with the Stars.”
This dance master has accumulated many awards including a Gold Medal, |
United States Champion, Florida 2004. He has been ranked among the top fifteen teachers for three years by the National Dance Council of America. Carter has been featured on television specials, Kennedy Center, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and many PBS dance events. He still flies to New York to coach and several times a month to North Carolina to rehearse with his Pro-Am partner, Carla Heinemann who joins him in national competitions.
Claire Sylvia remembers doing the Argentine Tango with him years ago at the Doges Palace in Venice. “He’s a wonderful dancer and teacher,” she says. “Since I found him again in Florida at Dance Moves, I’ve taken lessons in his beautiful ballroom.”
Busy every minute, Carter even choreographs the first dance at weddings including one, this month at the Breakers.
He says “I hope Pelican readers will put on their dancing shoes and let me lift their spirits in dance.”
For information or appointment call 954-566-9779. |
