THE International Day of Dance is celebrated every year on April 29. The day was created to encourage people to participate in dance through events held all over the world. April 29 was the birthdate of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), who was considered the creator of modern ballet, which is actually the classical ballet we know today.
Dance comes in myriad forms nowadays. It’s no longer just ballet or ballroom. You can move your feet to line dancing, disco, tango, salsa, samba, belly dancing, hula (Hawaiian dance), waltz, breakdance, hip-hop, ice-dancing, contemporary, tap dance, Irish, Scottish, Zulu, folk, and many more.
In honour of the special day, Caxton Local Media interviewed a line dance teacher who has been around the block for decades but who still loves dance with a passion – Belinda Hellerle, founder and head teacher of Bee Line Dance Studio in Durban North.
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1. When did you first start dancing, and what drew you to it?
“I have always loved dancing and was blessed to be born into a musical, theatrical family, who loved music as well as any dance form. My late mom was my inspiration and role model, and I always marvelled at her incredible rhythm and dance style. She could play virtually any musical instrument.
“I started attending ballroom and Latin classes in my early 20s, along with modern, tap and jazz dance classes at a later stage.
“I absolutely love music and dance, and it’s a special place to get ‘lost’ in – it does not feel like exercise!”
2. What made you decide to become a teacher?
“I never decided to become a teacher as I was so happy just being a student – it all happened by default when our line dancing teacher failed to return to our classes. After three weeks of waiting at the venue and she continued to be a no-show, the other class members nominated me to start teaching at a friend’s house in Durban North until we secured our venue at the Durban North Pigeon Racing Club a month later, from December 1, 1999.
“I was really nervous at first, but my passion for dance and sharing the love and joy of dance soon made me brave and gain confidence as I saw how much fun all our members were having in our classes.
“To be a dance instructor is a true joy and honour and a chance to ignite the passion of dance and music in others – the greatest joy is seeing dancers grow in their skill and mostly in confidence!”
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3. How long have you been a dance teacher, and what is it like?
“I started teaching in November 1999, almost 24 years ago.
“There is no greater joy and reward than seeing people leave at the end of a lesson with a huge smile on their faces and see them return with renewed confidence each week.
“I love proving to people that they really do not have two left feet.
“It’s also rewarding training new teachers and watching them spread their wings and start their own classes, although it makes me sad when they leave.
“Some days, you are tired from working a full day, yet the minute you start dancing, all the stress of the week just melts away, and you simply have fun!”
4. What are some of your best and worst moments as a dance teacher?
“I cannot really think of any worst moments although there have been some challenging moments participating in shows and having to ‘man up’ to ensure the show goes on. Food poisoning comes to mind. We were rushing across town from one corporate gig at a Durban North church to the Rhumbelow Theatre for three numbers on stage. We had to keep stopping the vehicle en route as I could not stop vomiting. I was so ill between the three numbers and hugged the off-stage basin or toilet bowl before and after each one, yet we managed to perform flawlessly that night.
“Some of the highlights of the past 24 years have been travelling nationwide as a dance adjudicator as well as teaching at dance workshops all over SA, mostly in the Cape Province. It is such a joy mingling with fellow dance teachers and dancers and learning from each other as well as sharing a dance floor. The electric ‘vibe’ at social and competitive dance events is something you cannot put into words – it is simply an amazing feeling.
5. What do you love about line dancing in particular?
“I did not actually love line dancing when I first joined as it was only done to country music (with fingers clutching a non-existent Western belt buckle).
“We soon evolved past that phase, and line dancing is now embracing all the ballroom and Latin genres as well as Irish dance, funky, street dance, West Coast swing and nightclub two-step, to mention a few.
“With line dancing, you do not need a dance partner – you are taught to dance to a set piece of music, and everyone does the same steps, in line, to the same piece of music.
“When you are on the dance floor, you forget about anything troubling you – all you focus on is the music and movement as well as having a great time.
“I saw a need in our community for especially women to have a safe place to dance and enjoy themselves. Older women do not get to mingle socially, especially if they are not into the pub scene. We provided a safe place for them to just be themselves, without judgement. These ladies have made lifelong friends because of these classes, and some continue to dance at their retirement home.
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“We have been blessed to perform on the Shall We Dance stage, as well as a production called Yeeha, it’s Country and also on the ICC stage a few times, including for The Night of 100 Stars with Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy, the Rumbalow, etc.
“I always say, if you have not danced, you have not truly lived! You have to experience dance for yourself! And there are few things more liberating and exciting than being a dance instructor. I feel so blessed!”
If you’d like to contact Belinda (Bee) or her studio, you can email her at Bee@Linedance.co.za or WhatsApp only at 076 444 5569.
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