Both Voight and Abrams are very enthusiastic about this increase of juniors. Voight states that youth programs are definitely growing in this Country. We get a lot of new students as a result of their friends being involved in the program. I love it when a little kid comes in and is totally enthralled by watching others. There is a basic primal need to move to the rhythm.
New kids see it and are fascinated.
Exposure to ballroom dance on television has had an effect as well. One of our major jobs with the kids is to keep them focused and still maintain a comfort level for them. We have a very low burnout rate. You can watch some kids that won't relate to one teachers style and they'll turn around and work with a different teacher and totally tune in. In teaching you have to be creative.