Local ballroom dancer sweeps categories in her first competition

Coeur d’Alene resident Shannon Larson began ballroom dancing on a whim in May. Less than five months later, she was stunned to win first place in every category she entered at the Summit Dancesport ballroom dance competition in Seattle.

“I know the expression on my face must have been comical,” Larson said. “The possibility of winning wasn’t even in my brain.”

Larson competed in seven categories in the Professional/Amateur American Rhythm and American Smooth divisions. She also received the Top Student Award at the National Dance Council of America-sanctioned Summit Dancesport competition, held Sept. 24-27.

Larson cites her instructor and competition dance partner, Nathan Fontes, as her main source of inspiration. Fontes co-owns Premier Ballroom in Coeur d’Alene and has been a professional dancer for 23 years.

“He actually cares about the success of people and meets them at their level,” Larson said. “I literally couldn’t have done it without him.”

Although Summit Dancesport was Larson’s first professional dance competition, she has danced on and off in a variety of styles since high school. She practices belly dancing with Athena Arts at Premier Ballroom and performs with the group at the Spokane and Sandpoint Renaissance fairs.

This year, however, she said she fell in love with ballroom dancing.

“Ballroom dancing really does it for me,” Larson said. “It’s much more formal, there’s a lot of rules, so when you’re trying to hone those skills it takes a lot of discipline.”

According to Fontes, Larson’s success comes from her dedication. She worked hard to develop her ballroom dancing skills, practicing at home and building strength and flexibility.

“It all depends on your work ethic and how much you’re putting into your practice,” Fontes said. “She put in a lot of practice outside of class time.”

Outside of dancing, Larson works as a business consultant. She said ballroom dancing helps her develop skills that translate to business, including communication, partnership, discipline and vulnerability.

“You have to have a sense of vulnerability in business,” Larson said, “which is hard as entrepreneurs.”

Larson’s life as a dancer and her life as a businesswoman are intertwined. She has secured sponsorships from ChemFinancial and Pioneer Title Co. and hopes to partner with additional local businesses as she continues competing as a ballroom dancer.

“This experience taught me that I don’t think people realize how much they’re capable of,” Larson said. “Even in business, you just take the first step, then you take the next step.”

To learn more, visit Larson’s website at www.FirstStepDaily.com.