Dancing with the teens

COEUR d'ALENE - They make it look more than fun.

They make it look dazzling. They make it look amazing, even breathtaking. The wow factor is definitely there.

They make others - even teenagers - want to do it.

Who, you ask, is they?

It's those men and women of "Dancing with the Stars," and "So You Think You Can Dance."

And what they've managed to do is interest millions of teens in America in the smooth, spectacular, soaring styles they see on TV.

That's where Sheryl Bentz-Sipe and Tarah Johnson are cutting in.

Bentz-Sipe is the owner of DanceTales Studio in Coeur d'Alene, and Johnson is a former student and accomplished dancer on her own. They're teaming up to offer a free class for teens next week.

"They want to do what they see on television," Bentz-Sipe said.

"The teen swing is pretty popular," Johnson said.

So due to the demand created by the hit TV shows that cast a spotlight on being able to dance, DanceTales is expanding its classes for teens.

Starting 5 p.m. Tuesday, kids ages 12-19 can try new popular dance styles for free at the studio at 1124 Sherman Ave. Anyone, from the tactless toe-stepper to the fleet flyer is welcome. Classes can fit up to 25 students.

They can also sign up for ongoing monthly classes that will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, including contemporary dance, jazz, swing, ballroom and Latin.

Bentz-Sipe said classes will focus on developing dance skills and technique, as well as learning fun combinations and routines.

"We're teaching how to do the movement correctly so they have the good posture," she said.

It's not competitive, but for those interested in taking their hip-hop prowess to another level, there are opportunities to perform in local and studio events.

She said in the past, DanceTales has had requests for teen dance lessons that don't lump the kids with older adults.

"So now we're taking a total class for teens so they feel comfortable dancing with each other, rather than being mixed with the adults," Bentz-Sipe said.

Teens are particularly anxious to learn how to do the dances they're seeing the likes of Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke and Chelsea Hightower, all of "Dancing with the Stars," pull off with such ease - when they flip, spin, fly, hop and whirl for the judges, Bruno, Len and Carrie Ann.

"So many have been asking for these kinds of styles," Bentz-Sipe said. "That's what motivated us to offer these kinds of classes."

Johnson, with more than 20 years of dance and competition, will lead the teen classes after the first free one.

"I've been dancing since I was 7. It's always been my way of expressing myself," she said. "It's always been something that I absolutely love. I love being able to express myself through movement."

Johnson has seen a new trend. While high school dances are usually teens either moving slowly or spinning crazily without much thought to grace or style, now she's seeing kids who really want to know how to cut a rug. They've actually heard of guys like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

"The big craze now is to be able to go places, go to school dances, and actually be able to do something, not just pull your partner around, but be able to do something with your friends out on the dance floor," she said.

Dancing in the studio is also an introduction to a new social life.

"It's a safe environment where ladies are being ladies and men are being men," Bentz-Sipe said. "You know what to expect."

Being able to master the tango, foxtrot or the samba is also good for one's self-confidence.

"You want to be bold and confident, that's what dance gives you," she said.

Students can just show up on Sept. 7 at Dance?Tales. Those attending should wear attire they can easily move in and bring smooth-soled shoes, jazz, or ballet shoes.

Information: 667-8087