SF_LePierre Ballroom Dance Profile_1123FINAL.qxp_Profile 12 / 1 / 23 3 : 46 PM Page 1 w by CARLY p a r t n e r p r o f i l e sf MURRAY release , while engaging every part of the body . “ People come in , and once they start dancing , all their daily stressors — work , kids , family , whatever it may be — kind of fly out the window . For that time that they’re here dancing , they’re just thinking about dancing , because it is an activity that involves your whole body , ” LaPierre says . “ When you’re dancing , you’re focused , the outside world can’t really come in . I have a lady right now … her doctor recommended this because she has Parkinson’s disease , and she is getting stronger . She had a couple of different operations and some medicines that are working as well , but she feels that her physical ability is getting stronger so much faster because of ballroom dancing . ” “ You’re always learning something new , so it’s keeping your body moving , keeping you physical and also keeping your mind working and thinking . Like Gene [ LaPierre ] said , he has a woman with Parkinson’s , we have also worked with the blind and people with Alzheimer’s and dementia . Because of the way that it works , the mind and forces your brain to create new path - Dancing ways , ” adds Krystal Bradley , an instructor who also manages the studio’s social media . LaPierre Ballroom Dance Studio strives to work with the South Jersey community . They col - laborate with Rowan University’s ballroom club Through Life to “ spread the love of dancing ” to younger gen - erations . They also worked with The Greater can actually do together moving forward , ” says LaPierre Ballroom Dance Woodbury Chamber of Commerce to raise over w Eugene LaPierre , owner of LaPierre Ballroom Studio focuses on the $ 2.5 million for local charities during the event , Dance Studio . “ Gloucester County Dancing with the Stars . ” It unique and magical Dance is a great way to bond with a partner is evident that LaPierre and his team aspire to through designated , focused time , even after the medium that allows allow the gift of dance to touch the lives of wedding . However , it’s also a great activity to people from all backgrounds . LaPierre and his a person to explore commit to solo to build confidence , to keep team have witnessed the impact firsthand . active , to learn a new skill and so much more . Of artistic , physical and “ This puts a little smile and a little fun course , not everyone has formal dance experience emotional expression . because of the music and everything else that going into lessons , and LaPierre provides a safe we do with ballroom dancing . Our motto here is space to explore the range of one’s capabilities . egardless of whether a person is immersed that dancing is more than just movement , so Beginners and experts alike will find something in an artistic community , dancing has that’s what we try to create here . I run a nonprofit to strive for , providing the satisfaction of watching R been prominent for centuries . From social charity called Ballroom Dancing for a Better You . one’s progression transform into success . The and life events to exercise and having a good I’m the director of it , and that’s for the special LaPierre team ensures everyone feels welcome . time , it’s always best to be comfortable in one’s needs adult community … We work with them “ Basically , the hardest part is walking onto movements in order to unwind and to learn the through Camden County and Gloucester County , ” the floor . You can come in and walk onto the floor benefits that dancing can bring . says LaPierre . “ Once a special needs person and we can make it happen . We can make your LaPierre Ballroom Dance Studio and its team reaches the age of 21 , they’re not in the school routine as elaborate as you want it to be . We cater of professionals give students the freedom to ex - system anymore , so it’s really back up to the to you and your specific style , ” says Jonathan plorethis art form in an accepting and encouraging families to engage them and to find activities for Cabrera , studio manager and instructor . environment , paving the way for a skill some them to do . We created ballroom dancing as Dance can not only enhance a social experi - may have thought was not within their reach . one of those activities . ” ence ; but also open doors to new friends and in - Many students initially sign up for dance “ It is so socially and physically involved . It’s creased confidence . lessons in preparation for a major life event : really good for people of all ages , all abilities , “ Dancing is a vehicle to social exposure for weddings , anniversaries , bar and bat mitzvahs , from all walks of life , ” continues Bradley . “ And people that maybe don’t have that in their lives and more . It is a common occurrence for them mentally , it works the mind , you’re constantly and we have a little bit of everything for everyone , ” to continue ballroom dancing well beyond the engaged , and overall it just hits all the right Cabrera explains . original intention , though . nails . ” ? Dance is also a physical activity that can be “ We cater to their abilities and what their uniquely tailored to one’s goals and capabilities , bodies are able to do , especially when we’re as well as taste . Participating mindfully in an seeing them for a short amount of time . Some - activity that , to many , is a second - nature reaction times , after they’ve taken their lessons for their LaPierre Ballroom to hearing movement - invoking music , allows for events , whether it’s their wedding , or an anniversary a release of inhibitions while burning calories DanceStudio dance , many of them continue on because it’s a and gaining strength , stamina and flexibility . It Glassboro | ( 856 ) 307 - 9464 hobby , just like golfing or horseback riding . So separatesmind from body to allow for a therapeutic LaPierreBallroom.com it’s something that , if they’re a couple , that they w SUBURBANFAMILYMAG.COM volume 14 issue 6 SUBURBAN FAMILY 31