Dancing With Tristan by Darlene Mascola

Photo Courtesy of Darlene Mascola

Darlene has been an active member of this website and forum for quite a while, and she had the opportunity to take a private dance lesson with Tristan when he was teaching in Ohio earlier this week. She very graciously agreed to share this recap of that experience with us.  Enjoy!

As I have mentioned here before I had zero ballroom dance experience so I was a bit anxious to go to my lesson with Tristan – especially since I was a complete novice.  The whole drive to the studio I was saying to myself, " I should of had a shot or a drink before my lesson" -  haha! (Good thing it was only a 15 minute drive from my house).

I had a lesson with one of the studio instructors right before the lesson with Tristan.  This helped me greatly.  So when it came time for my private lesson I told Tristan right before hand how nervous I was and he told me not to be - we are just dancing!  So we went right into dancing and we went over the rumba, cha cha, & tango.  Once we got started I felt more at ease and it went more smoothly then I had imagined. So the lesson was set up for me to dance with the studio instructor so Tristan could watch my movement and technique and give his critiques. Tristan also danced with me quite a bit during the lesson to show me certain things. He had lots of great teaching methods.  I tried my best to implement what he was demonstrating and explaining.  I’m not sure if I succeeded most of the time, but I do remember all his instructions and tips that I am using as now as I am practicing.  The tricks really have stuck in my brain so that's a testament to his great teaching!  He was also so nice and patient during the whole process. So of course during the lesson we were really focused on the dancing but had a few laughs, which seemed to be about music and drinking from what I remember!
 
I just have to say how in awe of his talent even from just the little bits that I saw him dancing at the studio while teaching.  We see how awesome he is as a dancer and performer on TV but it’s just something to witness his talent in person.  I have even more respect for Tristan and other performers for their dedication and hard work.  Again I have to say how great of a teacher he is.  He really has a wonderful way of trying to relate steps and movements to what we do in everyday activities.

So it was a great experience and I am happy my husband forced me to do this!  My husband was able to sit in on some of the lesson and he was equally impressed by his kindness and talent. The staff at the studio shared this same sentiment, they were all so excited to have him there and to learn from him!

I am grateful that I had this opportunity and glad I stepped out of my comfort zone.  I encourage everyone else to do the same if they have the opportunity to dance with the amazing Tristan MacManus.