Junior Colin McArthur, together with his dance partner Christina Ingraham, just placed first in all of the Smooth and Latin categories in which he competed and has won “top junior” at recent Pro Am Ballroom dance competitions. 

Colin's first introduction to the world of dance was when Saint Andrew's first offered an elective dance course, Introduction to Dance, his freshman year.  “I was and remain the only boy to have taken the course and that is unfortunate because I think a lot of kids could benefit from dance if they only gave it a chance.” Learning and performing different dance forms was both rewarding and fun for Colin, who is also a varsity wrestler and diver.

“Mrs. Redington, my dance teacher, was very supportive and encouraging.  She made a special effort to talk to my parents for me so that I could pursue dance outside of school.” While checking out different local dance schools, they found American Dancesport Center, a small school nearby with dedicated instructors willing to work one on one with Colin.

“I kind of kept the whole dance thing to myself, because I didn’t know how the other kids would treat me.”  But the students and the administration at Saint Andrew's were and continue to be very supportive, and Colin feels very fortunate for this.  “It seems like the teachers support the whole student, and not only academically. Just as long as I keep school my #1 priority.” 

What is next?  “I want to begin working on the International Standard form of ballroom, which would allow me to compete internationally. It is tougher because there are more rules but I love a challenge. In International Standard, I will also compete in a full tux with tails.” 

In the years since Colin began dancing its popularity has exploded, especially in the media.  “There was a time when dancing was a social requirement and a young man was not a gentleman if he could not dance.  I hope its influence will encourage kids and adults of all ages to get off the couch and try it out.”