A free dance class with skilled instructors, a spectacular venue in mid Manhattan, and a welcoming atmosphere. Who could ask for more? 

The Lovin’ Life Learning Center on 4 West 43rd Street in New York City is offering Ballroom dancing as one of many new programs. The first class began on August 5, 2009, and is now held twice a week: on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. With currently over 100 attendees per class, the program has begun by teaching students the waltz and the swing. Other dances will be introduced later.  

Ballroom dance instructor, Ariana Moon, giving individual tips to students on the waltz.

Each hour and a half class is led by Pastor In Jin Moon’s daughter, Ariana Moon, a junior at Harvard University and a member of the Harvard Ballroom Competition Team. Assisting is Mr. Hirofumi Sakamoto, Japanese ballroom dancing champion of his day.  

There are new faces each week, with most participants learning ballroom dancing for the first time. Partners are not needed to attend; instead, dancers are paired and switched with other partners throughout the session. 

At each class, Ariana Moon first demonstrates the dance to be learned, which is followed by step-by-step instructions. By the end, each is dancing on their own with a partner to the music. 

The Lovin’ Life Learning Center promotes internal and external excellence, a key component of Lovin’ Life Ministries’ Pastor In Jin Moon’s vision for youth. “We must allow our youth to express their God-given divinity in many ways.  If you can find a constructive and beautiful outlet where they can learn etiquette and social protocol, and at the same time have a great time, I think that’s a beautiful thing.”  Rev. Moon expressed at Lovin’ Life Ministries on August 9. 

“Dance is an expression of the universal language,” says Reverend Moon.  This can be seen in each class, with dancers from diverse cultures and ages ranging from 12 to over 65 enjoying themselves together and having fun.

Written by Celine Tardy