Sisters dancer shines on the ballroom floor

Sue Leek is a late-comer to the world of ballroom dancing — but she’s quickly made up for lost time.

The 62-year-old Sisters woman started dancing 2-1/2 years ago and is already a prize winner. She competed last month at the Pacific Dancesport Championships in Universal City, California, and took 48 first-place awards in her 12 American dance categories and finished third out of 52 entries in an open showcase that included all levels of dancers.

It was a remarkable competitive effort for a dancer who joined the Deschutes County Ballroom Dance Club for the simple pleasure of learning to dance in an organized format.

Her children were grown, she had time and loved music and dance, so she decided to give it a try. She wasn’t really looking for a sport.

However, she said, “It became evident that I had a little talent, so I was persuaded to compete.”

Ballroom dancing requires facility with a wide variety of demanding dances including mambo, tango, samba and several different types of swing dancing. Like figure skaters, dancers have to be proficient in a prescribed set of figures as well as demonstrating flair on the dance floor.

The dances also require costuming.

“It’s just like every sport,” Leek said. “For skiing you have all the paraphernalia for skiing; for ballroom dancing you have all the paraphernalia for ballroom dancing.”

Leek said dancing is great for her health.

“This has been a life-changing thing for me,” she said. “It’s been a great sport for me to be more physically fit.”

Dancing is her main form of exercise, though she also walks and participates in water aerobics. Dancing also requires some attention to the physical equipment.

“I take care of my feet,” she said. “I treat myself to a massage once in a while.”

Leek traces her enthusiasm for dance back to her youth.

“I was raised in the ’50s, so it was rock-n-roll time for me,” she said. “I love music. I translate my love for music into dance.”

She considers herself a walking (or, rather, dancing) example of the sport’s accessibility and life-long appeal.

“I didn’t start till I was 59,” she said. “Anybody can do this. It’s a learned skill.”

And its a skill that many people are learning.

Deschutes County Ballroom Dancing Club has flourished in Central Oregon, drawing dancers from swing-obsessed teens to seniors.

Club co-owners Travis and Erica Kokkeler are highly skilled both as dancers and teachers. Travis walked away from last month’s two-day competition with top-teacher honors.

The club will stage its Winter Ballroom Showcase at Summit High School on Saturday, December 10, at 4 p.m. It’s an opportunity for those interested in dance to see club members in action.

For more information on Deschutes County Ballroom Dancing Club, call 322-0220 or visit http://www.dcbdc.com.