Randi Collins has been a student at Dance With Me Glen Head for almost 4 years.
She first came in 2010, with an open mind and a will to learn the art of ballroom dancing. Having previously experienced other dance styles, such as Hip-hop, Randi was now looking to explore partner dancing, which lead her right through our doors.
As a young child, Randi was diagnosed with a learning disability that required her to be in special education classes from the second grade to the end of high school. Randi refused to accept being labeled as learning disabled, and sought out a way to deal with the issue.
When she began dancing she realized it became a form of therapy for her. It allowed her to concentrate, build confidence, and feel comfortable in her own skin. She no longer felt like she had a disability, and realized it did not define who she was as a person.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Randi to hear her story. She said,
“While being a part of Dance With Me, I’ve personally noticed a great amount of self- improvement. I have increased my self-esteem and confidence. I look back at who I was years ago and I realized that I wasn’t as confident in myself as I am today. I owe it all to dancing.”
Dancing has not only helped Randi emotionally, but physically as well! With hard work, dedication, and motivation from her lead instructor, Andrea Marletta, Randi was able to lose 81 pounds and, most importantly, maintain her new weight. In addition to taking private dance lessons and group classes, but also is an active participant in all of Dance With Me showcases and competitions.
One of Randi’s last comments was,
“All my life I loved to dance because it gave me a feeling that I didn’t know how to describe. Because of my instructor, Andrea… I now have found the words. I feel joy, passion, drive, and a sense of freedom. I am so happy and proud of myself for everything that I have accomplished.”
We are proud to have Randi be apart of the Dance With Me Family!
See what Randi had to say about her experience at Dance With Me.
What do you think about this story?
If you like it, please click below to share it!
Congratulations Randi! Your story is an inspiration. Keep it up!
Randi is an inspiration to all that meet her. She is extremely talented not only in dance, but also in art. She has a beautiful way of expressing herself through these two mediums. I love her passion, and drive, and her ability to capture her audience when she dances. The love she feels for dancing shows in every piece she performs. I have been a fan of Randi’s from the day I met her. Her kindness, sensitivity, and pure spirit adds joy to all who are lucky enough to know her. There is no disability here. The way I see it, is that everyone can learn a lot from Randi, about confidence, determination ,and goodness. You truly shine above the rest. Love, Jane Rubinstein
You are FABULOUS
Congratulations!! Thanks for sharing your story! I’m sure it took courage to sign up for the lessons but obviously it has been a positive experience for you. I wish there was a dancing class for the older person. I think dancing would also help with depression! Keep up the great work!
What a great story. She is a brave and beautiful person. Dance can change lives! I love it!
You story inspires me Randi! Your smile says it all!