You, too, can dance like the stars

Ballroom dancing has enjoyed a renaissance recently with the popularity of shows like "Dancing with the Stars."

I mean if someone like Marie Osmond or Jerry Springer can take to the dance floor and look pretty good, why not you and me?

So it seems Alex Tecza and Katja Lindholm have chosen the perfect time to open a dance studio here in Palatine. Master Dance Studio opened at 297 N. Northwest Hwy. in January.

"TV shows like 'Dancing with the Stars' have brought ballroom dancing into the spotlight. Shows like this have made people realize that dancing is a fun exercise that they can do together with their spouse or significant other," Tecza said. "'Dancing with the Stars' has also made people realize that ballroom dancing can be an athletic activity and can be a great substitute for going to a gym."

The couple previously owned North Ave. Dance Studio in Villa Park. Tecza and Lindholm have been dancing together since 2002. Tecza is a former U.S. National Standard and Ten-Dance finalist, and Lindholm is a four-time Swedish National Standard and Ten-Dance Champion. The couple still compete professionally across the country on average twice a month. Most recently, they won the Open American Smooth Championship at Indiana Challenge held in Merrillville, Ind., in February

They offer classes in ballroom and Latin dancing for people of various levels and ages, from social beginning dancers to advanced competitors. Their classes are open to both couples and singles. (So if you have a reluctant spouse or don't have a partner, you can go by yourself).

March classes include Beginners Tango, Beginners Salsa, Advanced Samba and Advanced Tango. In general, four-week sessions cost $50 per person and eight-week sessions cost $100 per person. Call the studio at (847) 359-8062 for more information on upcoming classes.

Tecza and Lindholm offer this advice for beginners: Find a knowledgeable teacher whose style of teaching you enjoy. Start out with a short-term class, like a four-week beginners' class. That way, you will get to know your teacher without investing a lot of money up front. Make sure you have the right kind of shoes. Be realistic -- you can't learn to dance in one hour. Be patient with yourself and your partner. Have fun, be light and humorous. Dancing is a great activity if you enjoy the process.

"Our philosophy is that we believe all students should grow in a positive, encouraging environment," they said. "The students do come to learn, however, so it is important that we challenge them to the level appropriate to their ability. We also believe it is very important to learn things right from the beginning since it will eliminate many problems later. So, we spend a little more time to introduce the basic principles rather than just steps."