Partnership dancing is an excellent option if you and your partner are interested in starting a new activity together that will bring you both closer to each other. Couples dance lessons can aide in improving physical and mental health. The different levels of each dance allow the activity to be flexible in regards to your own physical capabilities. Dancing is a low-impact aerobic activity that helps you burn calories while improving your cardiovascular system while promoting flexibility and good posture. Couples dancing, like yoga or meditation, is a great way to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Unwinding together is a wonderful aspect to have in a relationship as well.

For many empty nesters, after many years of raising children together, many find that their identity was about the role they have been fulfilling as a parent.  So focused on raising children, they forget parts of themselves and what it’s like to be to a couple. They now face the new challenge of relearning how to connect and relate to their spouse on a new level.  With technology making communication accessible at the tips of your fingers instead of face to face, a lot of emotional intelligence ques are lost.  Partnership dance forces face time and touch, which are key for intimate connection. 

What our clients have to say about dance and their relationships:

When our “nest” emptied in 2016 we decided not to spend our lives watching paint dry. After 40 years of marriage, we could either get old together or grow old together, and we set our sights on the latter. Travel is fun, but it demands nothing other than time and money. Crafts are fun for one of us. Same with golf. In our search for something we could enjoy together, we gave dance a whirl. Dance makes us think and keeps our wits sharp. Dance makes us move and reminds our joints and muscles who’s in charge. Dance welcomes us into the company of bright, warm, smart, caring, upbeat people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and interests. Dance opens our minds, our eyes, and our hearts. Dance, like nothing else we’ve ever done, delivers on an attractive promise; the promise that we can always be better tomorrow than we are today. Dance is our way of growing together. Forever. Over time, we’ve come to believe that there’s a dancer deep inside every person– deeper in some than in others–and that those who let the dancer out are always glad they did. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, if you see a couple sneaking a dance in the produce section, please stop and say, “Hi.” We’ll be embarrassed, but we’ll also be tickled.See you on the dance floor, where there’s always a next step! ~ Tommy & Kathy Scribbins

We began taking dance lessons in 2018 and have kept it up ever since! It’s become a fun and laid-back activity that we both enjoy. We look forward to our weekly lessons and practicing at home in between. It’s a perfect excuse to spend quality time together doing something relaxing and enjoyable. We turn our practice sessions into date nights at home…disco ball on, music playing, and just having fun with it. We laugh through our mistakes, but we’re also improving our skills together, which has been a really rewarding experience. Plus, it’s such a blast being able to dance with real steps in a social setting. It makes everything feel even more exciting! There’s also a real sense of accomplishment in learning how to dance and seeing our progress together, which makes it feel even more special. -Jennifer & Kevin Mest

I have always loved dance.  As a child I was never given the opportunity to take dance lessons but was able to participate in some high school drill team and dance corp activities.  As a young adult I watched with envy as couples would dance at weddings.  There had been no dancing at my own wedding and my husband said he didn’t know how to dance so I resigned myself to line dancing with friends.  My first husband died in 2013 and a few years ago I began to go out with a widower who had been a long time friend of our family.  He had no dance experience at all but was open to a new adventure.  We began with ballroom dance which included one of my favorites – swing.  Even though we were beginners we attended many of the group dance events and found the more experienced dancers so welcoming and so helpful that it was amazing fun.  We have taken advantage of some private lessons, and are currently also taking Latin dance.  We spend a couple of hours outside of class reviewing the videos and practicing.  It warms my heart to see how hard he works at a skill that is quite a stretch for him.  We are engaged to be married this summer and dance is going to be the main event at our reception.  We’ve even asked Tanya to help us rehearse for our “first dance” and even help teach a few simple steps to our guests so that all those people out there who have novice partners can also feel the joy of dance. ~ Tracie Hicks & Steve Keiss 

Our goal was to learn to dance before our cruise. We didn’t want to win Dancing With the Stars. We just wanted to have fun without being embarrassed. Our choice to take on the impossible task was Art Is Motion, where Tanya lurked. Tanya is the consummate professional. She motivates with challenge, empathy, and understanding of the various needs of her students. Most importantly, she makes it fun for us. When asked by friends what we have been up to, we enjoy their surprised looks when the answer is, “We’re taking dance lessons”. Without exception, the ladies say they want to do that! Apparently it’s quite daring to take dance! The low impact exercise is a collateral benefit. Especially for me, since I’m quite a bit senior to my wife. Our favorite dances are the rumba and the fox trot. Tanya teaches them to us from our favorite songs from the past. Give it a try! You’ll be glad you did! ~ Jimmy & Gini Kennedy

Dancing at Art is Motion with Tanya has been an incredible experience for our relationship. Her passion and expertise create a welcoming space where we’ve not only learned to dance but also deepened our connection as a couple. Regularly dancing is a unique way to reconnect and strengthen our bond while having fun. Tanya’s guidance has made every class enjoyable and rewarding. For any couple looking to grow closer through dance, we highly recommend Tanya and Art is Motion! ~ Rozina & Hameed Nassar 

Benefits of Dancing!

• Face time
• Touch
• Intimate connection
• Learning and growing together
• Physical, mental and social activity
• Healthy Active Lifestyle
• Empty Nester Activities / Hobbies

List of Activities for Empty Nesters:

Travel and Adventure

• Road Trips: Explore different states or scenic routes.
• Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing vacation on the sea.
• International Travel: Visit countries you’ve always dreamed of.
• Camping: Experience nature and camp in national parks.
• Hiking: Discover trails and enjoy outdoor walks.

Learning and Personal Growth

• Cooking Classes: Learn new cuisines together.
• Dance Lessons: Try salsa, ballroom, or tango.
• Language Learning: Start learning a new language.
• Art Classes: Explore painting, pottery, or sculpture.
• Book Club: Join or start a book club for shared reading.

Physical Fitness and Sports

• Yoga or Pilates: Join a class or practice at home.
• Golfing: Spend time on the green.
• Cycling: Enjoy bike rides in your city or countryside.
• Swimming: Join a local pool or swim club.
• Tennis: Play for fun or join local competitions.

Social and Community Engagement

• Volunteering: Give back to the community together.
• Theater or Concerts: Attend live performances.
• Joining Clubs: Find clubs that align with your interests.
• Hosting Dinner Parties: Reconnect with old friends or make new ones.
• Gardening Club: Share your love for gardening.

Home and Hobbies

• Home Renovation Projects: Tackle those long-awaited home improvements.
• Gardening: Create a garden or improve your current one.
• Photography: Take up photography to capture memories.
• Crafting: Explore knitting, scrapbooking, or other crafts.
• Collecting: Start a collection, whether it’s art, stamps, or antiques.