‘Dance just broke my shell’

Francois van Eck was a shy boy until he met music and dance.

"I was such an introvert at school and lacked in confidence, but the moment I made contact with dance everything just changed. Dance just broke my shell. Music just broke my shell."

Francois van Eck was a shy boy until he met music and dance.

"I was such an introvert at school and lacked in confidence, but the moment I made contact with dance everything just changed. Dance just broke my shell. Music just broke my shell."

A freelance ballroom and Latin dance instructor who's been living and teaching in Grahamstown for six years, Van Eck visited Grocott's Mail this week to show what he could do.

Turning the newsroom into a makeshift dancefloor, this passionate teacher showed our sub-editor a thing or two about the tango, and he made it look easy too.

"It's not about the financial rewards or anything like that," he said, "It's about the love I have for dance and music. Dance and music are fruits to the soul."

Dancing since he was 12, Van Eck now coaches privately as well as conducting weekly classes at local high schools. He also choreographs for wedding couples.

"I tell the couple to bring their favourite song, the one that means something to them, and I then put some elements of, say, rumba to make it even more special," he said.

"When I teach dance it's not about me, it's about me sharing a skill with someone so that they can connect with themselves on the inside."

Van Eck believes dancing is a way to communicate through movement and touch, and he hopes to make a difference in people's lives and the dance industry.

"I want to see people connect with themselves through the art of movement… I love dancing, dancing is my life."

To get in touch with Van Eck or to find out more about his classes call 073 253 3070.