Steven Powell

We were fortunate enough to interview Steven in January, 2007. Thank you, Steven!

Where were you born? Crayford, Kent, England
What brought you here? A plane! Ha ha! I answered an ad in the British paper Dance News and thought it would be fun to try something different.
When did you start dancing? I started dancing at the age of 4.
Have you won any competitions you want to tell us about? Since starting dancing, I have won many competitions in the UK for Ballroom, Latin, Rock N Roll and Freestyle.
What is your favorite part about teaching? Changing people's lives.
What dancer inspires you the most? I'm a big musical fan. Depending on the song and the choreography, each dancer I watch can inspire me in their own way.
What is your personal favorite dance, not to teach, just to dance when you're having fun? Swing or Jive.
Any pets? Want to tell us about them? I have 2 dogs a Shi-tzu called Sam and a Lhasa Apso called Vienna, 2 hedgehogs called Noggie (short for Draenog which is Welsh for hedgehog) and Paso, with an assortment of fish.
If you read, do you have a favorite book? I cheat with audio books, as I am in the car a lot. Unfortunately, I find myself getting places later than I should as I seem to arrive at my destination when I get to a good part of the book and drive around the block a few more times until I reach the end of the chapter
Do you have a favorite movie? Hundreds of favorites. The movie has to touch me in some way. For example, Soul Food made me cry, Dreamgirls made me stand up in the theater and applaud, and Layer Cake made me miss Home (England).
Any hobbies other than dance that may surprise us? I cycle, swim, and love to climb.
Why would you personally recommend I come to a Friday night practice party? Because we are CRAZY! Also, we have in the studio a what I feel is a home away from home feel. It does not matter if you are a complete beginner with one lesson under your belt or an advanced dancer with many years knowledge. Friday night is a time for everyone to get together, dance, have fun, and maybe learn a thing or two from dancing with others. Or simply watching! We are all one big family and we help each other to get better.
What was your first appearance in a dance recital? What part did you play? How old were you? I have never done a dance recital in my life. However, I can remember in nursery school I played a shepherd in the nativity play. There was lots of dancing around to get me into the costume I had to wear. I didn't want to wear it. Maybe that counts.
Do you come from a family of dancers? As far as I know I am the only dancer in the family on both sides. My Mother is a fantastic artist in many ways, she has great talent in cakes, wedding, anniversary, birthday or any weird or wonderful occasion. My Father is a member of the England and United Kingdom Paralympics Team, competing in Bowles.
Any siblings dance? I am an only child. I can hear people saying "haaaaa that explains it!"
Were you the first? I'm always first! (lol)
Was your family supportive right from the beginning or did it take a while? My parents totally supported me in my dance venture from the beginning. They started me in dance lessons. At sixteen, I took over paying for the lessons and competitions, but up till then my mother went to every competition. It was a competition arriving home to who would have the most medals or trophies: me or my father. My father was out competing as much as I was, usually on the same weekends. I can honestly say without a doubt both my parents are very proud of how far I have come and of the studio and what it represents