What is it about dancing?
We find ourselves moving our bodies to a song we love and we instantly feel joyful. It doesn’t matter what type of music it might be. Just that it lifts our mood as well as giving us a good, low-impact cardio workout, increased stamina and a way of socializing with other individuals.
“It is something you can enjoy at any time in your life, no matter what your ability,” said Peter Berna, President and Treasurer of USA Dance, Adventure Coast Chapter 6090. “Dancing makes us feel good and more importantly it can be fun and good for your health.”
USA Dance is the national governing body for DanceSport — the competitive version of ballroom dancing — in the US. It’s a nonprofit organization supporting dance sport athletes and recreational dancers throughout the US and is recognized by the US Olympic Committee.
Peter Berna and his wife Christine are the new board members of USA Dance Adventure Coast Chapter 6090. Their goal is to promote and sponsor amateur ballroom dancing for social dancers and the general public. They work toward the recognition of ballroom dancing as an art form and a lifetime recreational activity.
“Our chapter’s mission is to ‘increase the quantity and the quality of dance locally …and to create affordable opportunities for the general public to participate not just in ballroom dancing but other types of dance too,’” said Berna. “Like Swing, Salsa, Country Line Dancing, Latin, Blues and Pop,” he said.
“One way we can do this is to reach out to the community to promote dancing in a variety of ways,” said Berna. “For example, we hold social dances every month at The Lake House in Spring Hill and that includes a group lesson prior to the dance,” he said.
These social dances are held every second Thursday of the month and cost $8 for non USA Dance members; $6 for USA Dance members. The evenings begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. The group lesson usually starts about 7 p.m.
The Bernas organize complimentary snacks with coffee or tea and other beverages are also available.
Peter Berna is also known as DJPete and can be found at the turntables at dance events throughout Hernando and Pasco counties. “I play a great mix of music. I’m tired of hearing stale repetitive playlists”.
“My brother was a DJ and I used to spend a lot of time with local NY DJ’s at various dances,” said Berna. “I’ve always been involved with music in one way or another and I have a deep appreciation of it,” he said.
Berna maintains that because he is a dancer, it’s comes naturally to know what music to play.
“Some DJs might not be dancers, so they won’t recognize the best tempo to dance a Rumba or Salsa, he said. “And it’s fun to interact with the audience and have some rapport.”
Longtime dance partners, the couple is enthusiastic about the many benefits learning to dance can bring along with a variety of significant health benefits.
“Dancing not only improves our posture and overall body language, it also improves balance,” said Berna. “Dancing works the back muscles surrounding the spine making us stand straight and tall.”
According to the couple, dance teaches teamwork too — as well as poise, and self-confidence. Also discipline through practice and routines and good dress and manners.
“Apart from that, regular dancing improves your heart and lungs and weight management,” he said. “You can’t enjoy anything better to stay fit.”
Christine Berna said that new dancers can sometimes get discouraged if they don’t get it right first off.
“Our chapter is committed to helping beginners and to help anyone who is learning to dance,” she said. “After all, we were all beginners at one time.”
The Adventure Coast Chapter 6090 is also hoping to attract the younger generation to their dance events.
“People today just don’t dance and party like we used to,” said Berna.
“It would be a way of connecting in real life rather than seeing them staring at their phones texting, Facebooking and Tweeting,” he said.
“Basically, we should all put our phones down and start dancing until our feet fall off,” he laughed.
“Christine and I are totally dedicated to helping build dancing opportunities in our community,” said Berna. “Many good dancers can be a little intimidated when they start. It may take a little while to be a really good dancer, but it’s well worth it.”
“We encourage you to come and try out our interactive classes, and see how dance can improve your health, flexibility, balance, and focus,” said Berna. “You won’t be disappointed.”