The Must-Experience Darien Dance Classes That Are: Walter Schalk
First of all, I cannot believe how long it has taken me to get around to this post: perhaps the most poignant and proud memories I have of growing up in Darien revolve around “Walter Schalk.”
My experience started with Ballroom Dancing in 5th and 6th grade, which not only armed me with the basic foxtrot and waltz steps that have enabled me to cut quite the rug at formals and weddings through the years, but also provided me with a structured way to “socialize” with the boys, and they with us girls. I vividly remember my hands sweating in my little white golves as I sat across the room from the boys wondering if the one I had a crush on was going to pick me to be his partner for that dance. When he didn’t but his friend did, it created all kinds of 5th grader drama … and was followed by hours of listening to “He’s A Pretender” over and over again on the Madonna “Like A Virgin” album . Ahh, the heartache of youth …
In 7th grade, I began taking the All Girl Musical Comedy class, and continued all the way through my junior year loving EVERY minute of it. But here’s what I want to impress upon everyone: these classes (ballroom, musical comedy, etc) are for ANYBODY. Literally, if your child can count, they can do these dances. And that’s what I think is so fabulous about the program (it’s true for all of Walter’s classes): every student, even the ones with 2 left feet, have the opportunity to learn a routine, wear a fabulous costume, and perform on stage in a broadway-quality production that is unique to Walter Schalk.
(There’s more, read on …..)
I mean, if you’ve never seen one, just know this: when I say “broadway quality production,” it’s an understatement: check out the link above to see movies and photos. But don’t let the shots of the extremely talented 7 year-old doing a flying splits through the air intimidate you: truly, what makes the program SO fun, is that everyone participates. If you’re a really good dancer, well, you’ve got your opportunity to shine in the front row. But if you’re NOT even close to being a dancer, you get to be up there, looking like you can dance, and taking part in something that everyone can enjoy.
Oh my god, and if you have never seen the little 5-year olds performing “The Name Game” on stage in their little glow in the dark tennis shoes, you MUST, at least once, in your Darien experience. Ditto to the Boy-Girl Musical Comedy performances: we could never get any of the Darien guys to participate past 6th grade Ballroom, so I’m hoping that has changed a bit over the years, because watching the New Canaan and Wilton high school dance couples fly around the stage doing moves that would make Gene Kelley proud is definitely impressive beyond words. There is an Instructor program that lets qualified sophomores, juniors and seniors take leadership, “teach” and learn even more dances …. the whole program is just outstanding.
Programs now include Kindergarten-aged kids all the way up to high school seniors: so seriously, start saving for these classes for your kids for next season. They are worth their weight in GOLD.
PSST … Looking for other classes in Darien for kids and teens? Browse the Registry, here. Want to rate/review Walter Schalk School of Dance? Do so here.
There is a listing in Darien Answer Book or a ballroom dancing studio on Old Kings Hgwy. Anyone know anything about this? Cant remember the name.