1. Martha A. Harper, M.Ed. Education Leadership, B.A. Sociology January 2014
Ballroom Beyond The Boardroom
Significantexposure throughthe venuesof television andthe internet has enhancedworldwide interest
in ballroom and Latin dancing. As the popularity grows, it provides us a substantial opportunity to
strengthen the knowledge, value and appreciation of dance in the corporate arena.
In times past, dancing in many countries may have been viewed in the corporate world as a reward for
employees at higher levels. (board members, senior executives and management) Whether for
performances or social events, this was likely the scenario you would find formal ballroom or Latin
dancing. Corporationshaveintensifiedfocusontheirhumanresourceemployeebase. Benefitsare being
offered through programs for individuals to improve cultural education, physical and mental health,
diversity awareness, and team dynamics, all of which are impacted directly through dancing.
Let’s take a quick look at these points of interest.
1. Education: Activating learning to study various dance styles increases knowledge of world
cultures and historical backgrounds.
2. Health: Stimulation and coordination of mind, muscles and movement; relieving stress while
empowering mental and physical focus and endurance; teaching discipline and goal pursuit.
3. Diversity:Awarenessandsensitivitytodifferencesandsimilaritiesindance styles,techniquesand
music deepensunderstanding of varied cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and talents of people,
heightening appreciation of complimentary differences and reinforcing similarities.
4. Team Dynamics: BallroomandLatin dancingrequire partneringskills andbalance throughlead/
follow principles with understanding and support between each partner. Improves awareness
and respect strengthening network connections for employer – employee relations.
Ihave seenthese elementseffective inacorporate environment throughthepresentationof dance. Over
a periodof five years,Iintroduced twoeducationalandculturaldance videosinseveral corporatediversity
events. These branched into two personal performances and a statewide event for an
executive/management competition which continued annually,in addition to group dance sessions to
improve teamwork. In pursuingdance opportunitiesin a corporate environment, here are a few things
to consider:
 Professionalism – in attitude and attire, be respectful to audience and environment
 Proposal – prepare presentation materials; study and know your customer
 Patience – with perseverance; ask, then ask again - improving your content and presentation
 Pleasure – whatever their response, leave with courtesy that they respect you and your art
Let’shelpothersrecognizethatdancinghasbeenanintegral partof livingandcommunicatingthroughout
time and will continue tothrive foragesto come. Finda way to encourage the corporate worldto allow
dancingto be a creative tool inimprovinglife stylesand increasingworkplace relationsand productivity.