HAMPSTEAD – Davis Canady and Emily Smith’s dance class schedule is exhausting just to read. They teach Beginner Rumba, Shag Basics, West Coast Swing, and a host of other styles, in addition to private lessons and classes for children.

 

“I started teaching dance in 1992 – that’s 26 years this month,” said Davis, of Dancing Davis Studios.

 

Nineteen years ago, Emily was his student.

 

“I was shy,” she said. “I walked with my head down. You’d never know me today.”

 

Dance gave her poise and confidence. She has been teaching dance for four years.

 

Davis and Emily teach in Hampstead, 295 Sloop Point Rd. They travel to eight different counties to teach classes – from New Bern to North Myrtle Beach.

 

The studio’s youngest dance student is 7 years old. However, they teach a creative movement class for younger children. Their oldest student is 98 years young.

 

“For students ages 70, 80 years old are amazed at the physical benefits,” said Davis, adding that senior students tend to regain flexibility and balance over time.

 

“Our senior students tell us – as well as their adult children – that dance lessons have helped their overall well-being,” said Emily. “They can tell a difference.”

 

“Don’t believe what you’ve been told – that you have no rhythm. You’ve got rhythm.”

 

Emily said they give lessons to couples who schedule private lessons. The total cost is $45 per hour.

 

“Divided by four people, that’s a little more than $10 each,” said Emily. “It’s affordable fun.”

 

They also give lessons to couples and families who are preparing for a wedding event. Dad doesn’t know how waltz? No problem.

 

Davis and Emily, in addition to teaching Smooth Ballroom Dancing, Waltz, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, private lessons, group lessons and children’s lessons, give music lessons. Davis gives lessons on string instruments. Their home studio is bedecked with violins, guitars, mandolins and more. Emily teaches flute.

 

Teaching dance and music is not just a job to Davis and Emily. They love traveling to dance events. They especially enjoy West Coast Swing.

 

“West Coast Swing is improv,” Davis said. “You can dance West Coast Swing to any music – country, rock, oldies but goodies – you name it.”

 

Dancing Davis Studios is teaming up with Hampstead Bagel Bakery for an evening of dinner and dancing.

 

“I like eating breakfast at the Bagel Bakery,” Davis said. “We started talking and we decided to offer dinner and dancing classes. We offer early dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. and a later dinner starting at 7 p.m. We teach Waltz and Rumba. It’s a group class and it’s fun.”

“Anybody can learn to dance,” said Davis.

 

To learn more about the class offerings, private lessons, and dinner dance nights, visit Dancing Davis Studios website at www.dancingdavisstudios.com or call the studio at 910-352-7198.