Dance studio opens doors in Folsom

Fans of ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars" are dancing their way over to the new DS Dance Center in Folsom.The studio, located at 330 E. Bidwell St. in Folsom, offers more than 20 styles of dance taught by professionally trained dancers. The grand opening celebration begins with a costumed ball on Friday, Oct. 30."We are having a Masquerade Ball as a theme party and a grand opening party over the next week," said David Taylor, 31, DS Dance Center owner. "People can expect to see a Masquerade Ball in a comfortable dancing atmosphere."The ball will feature a custom contest, raffle, performances and competitions. Tickets may be purchased at the door and range from $15 for singles and $25 for couples.For more information and to purchase tickets for the Masquerade Ball visit dsdancecenter.com.Taylor grew up in California and began teaching dance at the age of five during a Mexican Folk Dance lesson in his kindergarten class. Taylor explained that his dance experience includes training as an observer at San Francisco University, leading a children's dance program in San Francisco and traveling throughout the world to participate in numerous dance competitions and festivals."I am able to dissect the core principals of dance to a point where I can help people understand it and learn it," Taylor said. "We have 24 social dance types that we teach and there is an expansion of hip hop, cabaret and creative movement as well."Private and group classes are offered for people of different ages and levels by the center's three professional dance instructors and five interns in training.For more information on class schedules and prices, call (916) 370-5429 to schedule a complementary dance evaluation."DS stands for dance solution and we are open for making things happen," Taylor said. "This is something that people can take with them on vacations and use, not to mention the health benefits from dancing."Weekly group dance parties are also offered at the center called "Latin Night Thursdays" and "Beginner Friendly Fridays.""I like to call these night's an incubator, because part of the thing about dance is having fun so this is a comfortable social place or practice party to learn," Taylor said.Taylor explained that the classes also take field trips to local clubs to practice the dances in a busy club atmosphere. "We are the Folsom dance headquarters and we are working with all the other dance studios in the area to make dance more prominent here," Taylor said. "Folsom is like a hidden gem, at first glance it doesn't look like much, but there are so many activities and social aspects here. So now I am here to bring the dance life to Folsom."