On Wednesday, Oct. 16, members of the KO community got together for a unique opportunity to participate in KO’s newest tradition, Ballroom Night. Organized by Performing Arts Chair and Director of Theater, Kyle Reynolds, the night was one of growth, laughter, joy, and new opportunities.
Professional ballroom dancers Jayden Leighty and Susanna Westcott offered a selection of three classes: a student/parent class, a faculty class, and a parents-only class. The two have been dancing together for seven years and now own a ballroom dance studio called In Motion Ballroom Dance Company, located in Enfield. The two are also guest choreographers for KO’s renowned Choreographers Showcase, where the duo are teaching five pairs of students ballroom dance. “I thrive when I get to dive into the theory of a dance,” Ms. Westcott remarked. “I also thrive when I am able to give my students not only the hows to do what they’re learning, but the whys.”
The night started with the student/parent class, in which students got the opportunity to dance with their parents as their partners. Mr. Leighty and Ms. Westcott taught two styles of dance to the students and parents: swing and waltz. “Swing is a more high energy and lighthearted dance,” Ms. Westcott described. “Waltz is a beautiful, traveling, smooth dance that looks and feels like you’re floating on a breeze.” Junior Betsy Slifka attended the class with her dad and was grateful for the opportunity to get to share with her dad her passion: ballroom dance. “I learned that ballroom is such a fun way to connect people,” Betsy reflected.
Next, Mr. Leighty and Ms. Westcott taught a faculty/staff class, where teachers partnered together to learn salsa and bachata. The two styles are Latin-inspired dances that incorporate spunk, spice, and hints of romance. Administrative Coordinator Lindsey Perkins attended the class with Upper School math teacher Mike Greenwald by her side. Mrs. Perkins describes the environment to be full of laughter and fun, due to the close-knit faculty community. “It was so much fun dancing with Mr. Greenwald,” Mrs. Perkins commented. “I had never really danced in that way before, so it was great to try and work out the missteps and such with him.”
The last class was a parent date night class, where the instructors taught the romantic rumba and the passionate tango. “Both dances require a close connection, and there was certainly none lacking that night,” Mr. Leighty commented. The romantic vibe was expressed through fun lighting and a refreshment table, provided by Mr. Reynolds.
All participants expressed gratitude towards Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Leighty, and Ms. Westcott for a night full of fun and growth. The two ballroom dance teachers also expressed their gratitude towards the participants and Mr. Reynolds. “We love being a part of the community here,” Ms. Westcott exclaimed. “To be able to provide a fun way to spend time and connect people together. We are very grateful for Kyle and everyone at Kingswood Oxford for joining us. We look forward to a healthy and fun relationship at the school and with the community.” All in all, the night was full of fun and excitement and hopefully the start to a new and unique tradition here at KO.
