Showcase Ballroom waltzes into Folsom

Dan McFarland and Kelsey Buck waltzed into Folsom with business plans they hope to swing into motion. Owners of Showcase Ballroom, McFarland, 34, and his girlfriend, Buck, 24, opened the city's first ballroom dance studio and have offered one-on-one dance lessons since June. Buck has been dancing for 18 years and teaching for the last eight. He said anyone could learn, regardless of age, skill level or body type. "I've never had a student that I've had to tell, 'Sorry, this isn't working. Go home,'" she said. Showcase Ballroom specializes in partner dances, from West Coast swing to the tango, from the Cha-Cha to the waltz.However, a partner isn't needed for class. "The instructor is your partner," said Buck, who learned solo. Of course, classes are always good for couples."Dancing allows people who've been married for awhile to find themselves again, to reconnect," Buck said. "It's big for empty nesters, for date nights." That's why Rich Jackson, a 54-year-old veterinarian from Auburn, started taking lessons with Buck about a year ago. "My partner loves to dance," he said. "I have always liked music, but never learned to dance. I've developed a passion for it." Hit reality shows like ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance," are bringing more and more young people to the dance floor. Even men, said McFarland, who referenced former NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice's participation on "Dancing With the Stars." Both McFarland and Rice claim dancing is good for athletes; it teaches agility."Guys have to have that machoness," McFarland admits. "This is one of those things where they have to act like they don't like it, but when they get in they see it's not so hard. It's one of those things that when you learn how to do it, you look good. And you can always use it. You always have weddings, functions, events where there's dancing." Buck said it's a smart decision for single men."It's smart for guys to learn to dance, especially single guys," she said. "If you're at a club dancing, a woman will pick out the guy who is dancing over someone who's just sitting there."McFarland has played sports since he was a child and stayed active later in life working as a deputy for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.He picked up dancing after he was sidelined with severe neck and back problems following an on the job injury. "I'm the kind of guy who's played sports my whole life, all day and all night," he said. "(After the injury) I was trying to find something that would give me positive stimulation. I'm not the kind of guy who can sit down and read a book. I need something more," he said, snapping his fingers three times. "(Dancing) gets me out of the house, it gets me doing something. It's mentally and physically stimulating."That goes right into 60-year-olds, 70-year-olds," he continued. "Maybe your significant other died ... Your mind doesn't change. Maybe your body does, but not your mind. You want to get out and do something and what are your options? Going to a bar? (Dancing) embodies the whole spirit of friendship." It's also a good work out, said Buck, who credits her thin frame to dancing. She claims one lesson can burn anywhere between 300 and 600 calories. "You're moving around for an hour straight," she explained. "And you don't even realize you're exercising. The hour is over so quickly. "Going to the gym is so boring. Here, you can meet people. You're learning something. It's nice because you're using your mind as well."And it's good for the spirit. "It helps with people who have low self-esteem. It helps with low self-confidence," she said. "It helps people feel more comfortable. It helps shed pounds. You wouldn't think dance helps people, but it really does. When I started I was shy. Not anymore." Almost two months after opening, Buck already gives 30 lessons a week at the East Bidwell facility. Clients come to learn a dance for their wedding or pick up skills for a vacation or cruise, to stay in shape or just to learn something new. "A lot of people start in September," Buck said. "Halloween parties are coming up. Christmas parties are coming up. New Year's Eve parties are coming up. It's a great time to learn." Showcase Ballroom offers a complimentary first lesson to give students the opportunity to try it out before committing to lessons. The studio is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, by appointment and offers many regular events. For more information, call 983-2337.Showcase BallroomShowcase Ballroomis located at 330 East Bidwell Street, Folsom 983-2337Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, by appointment Features all popular ballroom, Latin and swing dancesMost popular dances to learn:West Coast swing and salsaKelsey Bucks favorite dance: Cha-cha Hardest dance to learn: West Coast swing and Argentine tangoEasiest dance to learn: Everything else, Buck said