Because life's greatest moments are best celebrated with a dance

My parents were Irish immigrants who met at a dance hall in Queens, NY. They reveled in music and dance as a way to honor their heritage and remember their homeland (and not feel so homesick). So there was always music and dancing in our house growing up. I first learned Irish dance and then followed that up with a number of styles—jazz, ballroom, Latin, and flamenco.

I remember on our wedding day (that's me and my husband, Jerry, above, on that special day), our first dance was really important to us because it symbolized the moment that we officially became a couple, like so many we had seen before us. We danced to a Frank Sinatra tune called, "I Like to Lead When I Dance." I'll say no more about that!

Years later, when I began teaching social dance in elementary and middle schools for a wonderful program called Dancing Classrooms Long Island, I came to understand how vital movement and music is to emotional and mental well being. How it can truly lift your spirits and your day, not to mention break down all kinds of barriers between people. There is no better way to get to know someone and make friends than by dancing with them!

What's more, I realized that anyone can learn how to dance, no matter their previous experience. Many adults I meet immediately proclaim they are not dancers, and they've been conditioned to think that dance will never be their thing. I truly believe that all people can learn to dance as long as they are taught about rhythm and how to simply enjoy moving to it. It is the most satisfying thing for me to be able to turn a "non-dancer" into a confident, happy dancer!

I'm proud to say that my three children (that's them on the right) are able to dance and mark life's special occasions that way. My wish for you is that you are able to celebrate all of your life's important milestones with a memorable dance, and I am honored to help you with that!
 
—Eileen Clarke