Irene never anticipated that her late-teen dream of ballroom dancing would not only come true but also blossom into a midlife passion and business in ballroom dancing.
1. Introduction
Born in China, Irene grew up in Hong Kong before immigrating to the US in 1999. She did not encounter ballroom dancing until her late teens when she was at a Dinner Dance event alongside her elder sister Vivian, a competitive dancer at the time. The scene of some elderly couples dancing gracefully left an indelible mark on her, kindling a dream of experiencing the same elegance in her later years, if not sooner.
The dream lived on while she was overwhelmed by the demands of work as a global marketing manager in a Fortune 500 company and the “burden” of a family with three children. Then, in 2007, a serendipitous moment emerged as she was wandering along Main Street in Danbury, CT, after dropping off her three children at a Saturday Chinese School. Spotting an Arthur Murray dance studio, she curiously walked in and took the first try-out lesson, thus starting a journey of “dream comes true” …
2. The first competition led to a passionate business
After just four months of lessons with Matthew Aes, both Matthew and the studio owner encouraged her to participate in a dance competition. Driven by encouragement and curiosity, she accepted the challenge. However, while searching for a costume, she was taken aback by the high costs. Unwilling to invest much in a hobby she was still exploring, she enlisted the help of Vivian, now an experienced costume designer. Together, they created a stylish costume at a more affordable price. Inspired by dance friends seeking budget-friendly yet fashionable options, Irene founded “Dancewear Works” in 2007, which was recently re-branded as “Everything Ballroom.”
“Everything Ballroom” (EB, everything-ballroom.com) is a brand with the mission to redefine the industry of ballroom dancing by providing everything a ballroom dancer needs, thus empowering each and every dancer to “Dance Without Boundaries.”
Irene is determined to dismantle the barriers in the dancewear industry. She prides herself in providing a diverse collection of dress designs that accommodate all body types and sizes, thus ensuring that every dancer, regardless of shape or budget, can have an ideal outfit. The focus is on inclusiveness: you need not be a professional or rob a bank to look and feel fabulous on the dance floor! Irene never imagined that her love for ballroom dancing would lead to a successful business.
3. Results and progression
Irene thrives on competitions. Three milestones of progression: (1) First big win, (2) Beating a champion, and (3) Becoming a champion. To briefly highlight each …
3.1 First big win
Irene, with Hayk Balasanyan, won Closed-Bronze Latin at Emerald Ball 2014.
3.2 Beating a champion
Irene has won numerous regional competitions. For example, the photo below records her win over Giovanni (Giovanni Fortezza: Savior of the male species in pro/am ballroom dancing) in 2018.
3.3 Becoming a champion!
With John Campbell, Irene won the Rising Star in Open Smooth at OSB 2016, thus becoming a [junior] champion! Additionally, she was a finalist in Open Smooth, Rhythm, and 9-dance at both the USDC and OSB three years in a row (2017, 2018, and 2019).
4. Her professional partners
Irene’s first teacher was Matthew Ames at Arthur Murry (Danbury, CT). The partnership worked well for four years until he left the studio. Irene then joined FADS, where she had multiple teachers, each with unique insights and skills. Competing in Smooth, Irene shared the dance floor with notable partners such as Peter Hens (who moved to California) and Matthias Kruschel (who moved back to Germany).
4.1 Hayk Balasanyan
With Hayk, Irene embarked on the journey in Open Latin. The experience was not just about competitions but the joy of dancing and achieving milestones together. With Hayk, Irene secured victories in numerous regional competitions and earned a place as a finalist in prestigious national comps like the USDC and OSB. Irene continued to dance and compete with Hayk to this day.
4.2 John Campbell
In 2016, Irene did the 9-dance with John Campbell after her teachers had moved away. Benefiting from the supportive atmosphere at Metropolitan Dance Center (Owner Steve Dougherty), Irene and John experienced notable successes at both the USDC and OSB, as highlighted previously in Section 3.
4.3 Sergei Shapoval
After John’s relocation to Florida, Irene briefly did some show dances with Giovanni D’Arpino. Eventually, she identified Sergei Shapoval as her partner in Smooth, which is still in place today. Currently, Irene is in active training, gearing up to make a return to the competition dance floor soon.
5. Family in ballroom dancing
Along her captivating journey of ballroom dancing, Irene has been unwaveringly supported by her family, especially her husband Chris. He has become integral to her dance story, infusing it with love, unity, and shared passion.
A heartwarming chapter unfolded when Irene danced with her older son, Brandon, in a “Team Match.” Then, a family showcase with her younger son, Matthew. These experiences showcased the seamless connection between the two generations and highlighted the unique joy that arises when family members share the dance floor. Their synchronized movements mirrored the rhythm of the music and echoed the harmonious connection between a mother and her son, extending the family as a whole!
6. Everything Ballroom on YouTube
In her unwavering dedication to spreading the joy and showcasing the myriad benefits of ballroom dancing, Irene has brought her passion to life on the digital stage through the YouTube channel: “Everything Ballroom.” At the core of “Everything Ballroom” is the goal to inspire, educate, and share the sheer delight that ballroom dancing brings to individuals and communities. “Everything Ballroom” welcomes everyone to join the journey. Through insightful interviews with judges, seasoned professionals, and pro/am competitors, the channel aims to spark a newfound appreciation for the artistry, discipline, and sheer joy embedded in ballroom dancing.
Thank you for being part of the dance community. Together, let us celebrate the magic of ballroom dancing and inspire a new wave of enthusiasts. Subscribe to “Everything Ballroom” and join this exhilarating journey into the heart of dance. Check out and Everything Ballroom Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@everythingballroom
7. “Beauty & Health”
Irene is passionate about promoting beauty and wellness within the ballroom dancing community. Recognizing the significance of looking good and maintaining optimal health for dancers, Irene has become a distributor for Nu Skin products, offering a wide range of products tailored to enhance both inner and outer beauty.
Irene understands the unique needs of dancers who strive for technical excellence and a vibrant and confident stage presence. Nu Skin’s innovative products align seamlessly with dancers’ goals, from skincare solutions that promote a radiant complexion to supplements that support overall health and vitality.
Irene is committed to imparting valuable insights and tips on how Nu Skin products (everythingballroom.mynuskin.com) can enhance dancers’ well-being and aesthetic aspirations. Through her distributorship, she strives to empower fellow dancers, helping them achieve their best both internally and externally. By utilizing these products, Irene aims to boost performance, confidence, and the overall experience of dancers.
Check out her Nu Skin website at everythingballroom.mynuskin.com
Reach out to her to learn more at: everythingballroom@hotmail.com
8. Discussion
Ballroom dancing is the joy of Irene’s life! She keeps telling people that she can dance every day with a big smile on her face.
8.1 Everyone can dance ballroom!
“If you can walk, you can dance!” Many individuals miss out on the enchanting beauty of ballroom dancing due to embarrassment or the belief that they cannot dance. Just like any sport, everyone begins with baby steps. The inspiring stories of individuals breaking barriers might change your perspective. Two examples:
- Sara Cauley, with Cerebral palsy and only one fully functional arm, discovered that ballroom dancing unexpectedly changed her life.
- Kay Beattie started dancing at the age of 83 and continues to dance a decade later.
Explore more incredible stories on the “Everyone Can Ballroom” playlist and witness the transformative power of ballroom dancing for all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL7LvaLHt2k&list=PLzxF4aOAoM1MF3wHq3jAC3FrSDw1E4yku
The benefits of ballroom dancing are immense! Just give it a try, and you will discover something truly amazing!
8.2 Knowing your goal in ballroom dancing
Each person’s ballroom dancing journey is unique, and competing against each other is not necessary. So, having your own goals and going with the flow is crucial, pursuing dance as it brings you happiness. Patience is key: do not abandon it hastily. Similar to any sport, learning takes time. Set realistic goals, persevere, and continue putting in the effort. Good results will come with persistence and dedication.
8.3 Finding the right teacher and studio are key to our success
Choosing the right dance teacher and studio is like finding a romantic partner. The chemistry must be spot-on, creating an empowering and supportive partnership. Open communication is the linchpin of any successful relationship. Being honest about your feelings and establishing common ground are essential elements for a beautiful and harmonious dance journey.
8.4 Competing only with ourselves
Once highly competitive and fixated on winning, Irene often found herself stressed and devoid of the joy of dancing on the competition floor. With introspection, she realized this approach was not sustainable. Her winning formula is to shift her focus inward, cultivating positive energy, continuous learning, and personal growth.
For Irene, preserving the joy of dancing is paramount. She advocates that if dancing ceases to bring happiness but stress, it is time to pause and identify the source of stress. Take a break, addressing the underlying issues before returning.
Embrace change for the better. Irene emphasizes the importance of genuine smiles that emanate not only from faces but also from the depth of the heart.
9. Closing
Throughout her 16-year ballroom dancing journey, Irene has been defined by an unwavering pursuit of personal and professional development, a dedication to continuous learning, and a humble recognition of the expansive realm of ballroom dancing.
Her mantra is, “If you can walk, you can dance!”
It encapsulates her belief in the accessibility and inclusiveness of ballroom dancing. Irene is committed to leaving an indelible mark on the ballroom dancing community, exerting her influence until circumstances no longer permit. Whether she is gracefully navigating the dance floor or engaging enthusiasts from a vendor booth, you are likely to encounter her at various competitions. Do not hesitate to seek her out for an enthusiastic conversation about the world of ballroom dancing!
To find Irene’s dance videos on YouTube, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7t8I7EbTHA&list=PLzxF4aOAoM1OPJDBJeHZU9uUdL25hYpTh.
