Guest Blog - "Tristan MacManus - The Teacher" by J.S.

Administrator's Note: J.S. traveled to Pensacola to take advantage of an opportunity to take a private dance lesson with Tristan.  This is her recap.

First of all, let me say that I had danced a little previously, taken several dance classes during the last year, and thought that since I was a Tristan MacManus supporter since Day 1 of Season 12 of DWTS, this would be a great time to learn from a man who loves to teach.  I could tell you each thing that we did or go into detail about everything I learned, but I decided to take a broader approach and explain why the experience was unforgettable.

I went for one reason only and that was to learn, and learn I did.  From the moment I stepped into the studio in Pensacola, I felt comfortable and at ease, and Tristan’s professionalism was a big part of that. He has a no nonsense approach to some extent, but his delightful sense of humor is present at all times.  A little conversation, a few laughs, and an amazing amount of teaching crammed into a short period of time was the order of the day.

Whether I was in the arms of the man himself or working with another studio instructor, Tristan made sure he taught for every second I was there.  What else can I say?  I could go on and on and on and ramble about every little detail and bore you to death, but I won’t.  Let’s just say, it was worth every penny I spent to fly down, get a hotel for a few days, and get that 40 minutes or so of his time.  If you’re in it to learn to dance, then you’ve gone to the right man for teaching. If you’re in it just to say you danced with Tristan MacManus? Well that might not be the right reason because let me assure you that he is dead serious about his work, and what we’ve seen on DWTS all those season is just the tip of the iceberg.  My next business trip coincides with an upcoming Ballroom With A Twist performance, and I just made sure I have tickets because seeing the teacher become the performer again will be a truly memorable experience.