By Melissa Pingeton

Watch out Cheryl Burke. Step, err, foxtrot aside, Brooke Burke. Trish Camera is sweeping the dance floor ~ and the Worcester area ~ with her ballroom dancing and teaching.

Owner and teacher of the American Ballroom & Latin Studio in Shrewsbury, Trish got her start dance training in Providence, RI when she was five, studying ballet, jazz and tap ~ a trio that she describes as a “good basic for ballroom partner dance.” But it wasn’t until she was in her early 20s that she began ballroom dancing socially, introduced to it by her friends.

Trish started ballroom dancing competitively in her late twenties and soon after dipped her dancing toes into teaching. Camera cites Steve Montuori as a “pivotal” factor who told her that she should teach. Montuori had taught dance in Worcester, eventually opening his own studio in the city where Trish began teaching.

“He saw something in me,” she recalls.

Finally, in May 2008, Trish opened her own studio ~ the 2,500-square-foot American Ballroom & Latin Studio ~ with the help of Montuori, who passed away only a few months later.

Camera says owning and running the studio gives her “a lot of satisfaction” and an “immense sense of pride.” Unlike being a dancer, when you are constantly developing yourself and your partner, as a teacher Trish can focus on encouraging her students to reach their dancing goals.

The studio offers adult group classes and youth and teen group classes. The adult classes include two dance styles* and cover step patterns, partnering body development, and a solid foundation in the basics. In addition to ballroom dancing, the studio also offers the always-fun Zumba, which integrates steps and patterns from dances like the Salsa, Samba and Meringue with body sculpting movements ~ a perfect total body workout!

But for Camera, the teaching doesn’t end at her studio ~ she is active within the community as the head coach to Clark University’s Dance Team and has taught youth dance programs at the Worcester Public Schools. Trish has also performed in many benefits held in Worcester including “Dancing with the City,” “Harvey Ball” and “Dancing with the Realtors.”

Trish hopes that she and her studio become “more immersed in the Central Massachusetts community.” She says ballroom dancing is an excellent way to integrate different age groups ~ from older teens to mature adults. A perfect example of this “across the generations” blend is the Clark University Dance Team, comprised of both students and faculty members.

Want to give it a try? The Studio plays host to open dance parties every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Friday of the month ~ and they include refreshments and a cash bar. Each dance party starts with an all-levels class, followed by dancing to Latin, Ballroom and Contemporary music. It’s a great way to meet people, have some fun and learn a few dance steps!

The Studio is also hosts to social dances put on by the Dancers of Central Massachusetts (DOCMA). Like the Studio’s own dance parties, these socials are open to all levels of dance. Upcoming socials are on Sunday, March 15th and Sunday, April 19th. More information on DOCMA and the socials can be found by visiting www.docma.net.

American Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio is located at Maironis Park on South Quinsigamond Ave. in Shrewsbury. For more information including classes and pricing, call (508) 925-4537 or check out americanballroomlatin.com.

*American ballroom dance has two styles: American Smooth and American Rhythm. American Smooth includes waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz and American Rhythm includes cha cha, rumba, East Coast wing, bolero and mambo.