More Than Just Strictly Ballroom: DanceSport Endurance Classes

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THE RIGOROUS "DANCING WITH THE STARS" schedule is sure to get anyone in shape — and probably injured — but the way most folks practice ballroom doesn't build up enough of a sweat. At least, not for Todd Borzych. That's why the pro competitor and performer developed DanceSport Endurance, a form of ballroom instruction you can learn solo while focusing on fitness.

"Ballroom and Latin dances lacked a regimented workout," explains the former military officer who discovered dance after years of studying Tae Kwon Do. So, he borrowed from his earlier training to tack on warm-up, strength conditioning and ab toning sections to traditional choreography from 13 dances, including waltz, Quickstep, cha-cha and merengue.

And once you're comfortable with that, you can try it with a partner, and sign up for one of his "boot camps" — seven-straight days of instruction on the same dance. That's probably as close to the real "Dancing With the Stars" experience as anyone would actually want. Plus, it helps promote Borzych's other goal: "I want to make the dancing world bigger in this city."

The program is currently offered in classes across Northern Virginia, and he continues to train other instructors to teach his techniques, so expect the number of classes locally to grow. But if you can't make it in person, there's also his DVD ($19.95). He plans to have a second available by Christmas.

Photo courtesy DanceSport Endurance