Ballroom & Beyond: What 9 Teenage Gentlemen Taught Me About the Future of Dance

Last week, I attended a Mastery Dance Camp in Las Vegas focused on American Rhythm and International Ballroom. It was an experience rich with learning, precision, and passion. But one of the most striking moments had less to do with choreography and more to do with character.

Ballroom—unlike salsa or country two-step—tends to attract more followers than leaders. Perhaps because developing a strong leader takes longer: it’s not just about knowing the steps but navigating space, rhythm, musicality, and presence.

To their credit, the camp organizers addressed this beautifully. Through a partnership with a high school dance program in Utah and Nevada, nine young men were invited to attend and serve as leaders.

These teenagers were courteous, present, committed, and in many ways, already seasoned. They owned their role on the dance floor—taking responsibility for missteps, guiding with confidence, and offering every partner a sense of being seen and supported. A couple of high school-aged followers also stepped up when needed, ensuring no one was left without the chance to grow.

What made this possible? A visionary educational program that allows students to earn gym credits—and in some schools, even a varsity letter—through ballroom dance.

These programs are more than curriculum alternatives. They teach grace under pressure, respectful physical connection, posture, poise, and teamwork. They offer youth a sanctuary from the digital scroll and a chance to move in rhythm with another human being—an increasingly rare and precious skill.

Let this be a nudge:

If you’re an educator, a studio owner, a parent, or a policymaker—consider what it would mean to bring ballroom dance into more schools. Not just as an art form, but as a foundation for life skills, leadership, and social confidence.

Ballroom isn’t fading—it’s evolving. And with programs like these, its future is in excellent hands.