Video: Homeschooled Siblings Find Common Footing In Ballroom Dance Classes

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Every Tuesday afternoon Diane Wood drives her sons and daughters from their Plantersville home, to the Dance Studio of Tupelo where the seven kids put on their dancing shoes.

“Sarah is 18, Jesse is 16, Noah is 13, Gage is 11, Bella is 9 Izzy is 9 and Torah is 6,” Diane recalls.

The younger ones stay downstairs with instructor Melissa Halbert.

While Sarah, Jesse, and Noah  go upstairs for a class with Chuck Garrett.

The 3 hour commitment isn’t part of a lesson plan.

“No, I would this fun, with a purpose, they are learning a skill and also having a good time,” Diane said.

The children took ballroom dance classes last summer, after attending a workshop. They showed of their moves at the recent “Dancing With the King” scholarship extravaganza.

Instructors say it’s rewarding to see the brothers and sisters bond on the dance floor.

“I’ve loved as I taught over the years, super shy kids, uncertain and don’t want to dance and pretty much here because mom made them, actually accept, love on their own and adore dancing,” Halbert said.

“Ballroom dance has a lot to do with social etiquette and also a lot of teamwork, show a lot of respect for each other,” Garrett said.

With each lesson, the kids say they’re stepping into new life lessons.

“For those that may not have great footwork, it helps a lot, it’s amazing, especially Tango and Cha Cha,” said Noah.

“I love ballroom dancing, it helps me a lot, you can socialize with friends,” said Gage.

“It makes us listen better and learn,” said Izzy.

Practice makes perfect, so they say, and these siblings plan use what they learn on the dance floor one move at a time into their future.

Dianne and her husband Tommy have also taken up ballroom dancing. For information on youth workshops, go to www.thedancestudiotupelo.com