Hello Everyone!
My name is Ben Sperl and I am entering my third year at Ohio State studying Chemical Engineering. I am a competitive member of the DanceSport at OSU ballroom dancing team. Anyone can dance! I’ve only been dancing ballroom since I came to college (although I did social dancing in high school).
This summer, I am using the Second Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) to intern at Dance Tonight Columbus with Kimberly Mitchell. Although born and raised in Northern England, Kimberly was repeat Latin Dance champion of the U.S. and placed 5th in world competition! It is an honor to work with her. The internship program began last week. Unfortunately, I suffered from a hernia (OUCH) and was unable to participate in some studio activities.
Yesterday, I took my first group class with Kimberly and it was excellent. I even got to acquire some snazzy new dance shoes. I am greatly looking forward to the upcoming lessons, including a group class this Tuesday with one of Kimberly’s coaches, Ray Rivers, and my first private lesson on Wednesday with Kimberly.
You may be wondering what to expect from this blog. Well, I will be posting updates and information as it arrives. I will also try to post links to relevant dance resources that I like or that have helped me. Finally, I plan to write a modest research paper on the history, styles, music, and cultures around some of the ballroom dancing.
Hope you Enjoy!
Ben Sperl