Clairen Reese • Pelican correspondent • February 25, 2009 One-two, cha cha cha three-four, cha cha cha.
It’s like poetry in motion to watch a couple move effortlessly across the dance floor in perfect rhythm having the time of their lives. The art of dance is one to be admired, appreciated, and if at all possible, imitated and duplicated. For some that’s easy to do. The flow of dance and all the right moves comes naturally. For hesitant wallflowers or those with little to no coordination, one local dance instructor says he can change that. Eric Jenkins, owner of Just Dance at Berryhill enjoys the challenge of taking two left feet and making one right after some studio time under his watchful eye and professional instruction. Jenkins is somewhat a newcomer to the Milton area. He was raised by his grandparents in Tennessee. He happened on to his current occupation after applying for a job a dance instructor &mdash and he’s been dancing and insturcting ever since. Before putting down roots, he waltzed his way across the country, but he is extremely excited to call Santa Rosa County home. This vivacious, highly personable 31-year-old has extensive dance experience. He is bronze, silver and gold certified in Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire, N.D.C.A. and Dvida. He can dance the tango, foxtrot, waltz, rumba, cha cha, swing, samba, merengue, jive and more. He is also certified to judge ballroom competitions worldwide. Although the studio has been opened for less than a year on Berryhill just across from Santa Rosa Medical Center, his student list is growing as fast as the quick step. With a client list of more than 100 people he stays busy with 30 to 40 active students at any given time. He has strong religious beliefs and is a self-proclaimed workaholic.
“I thank God for every day he gives me. I am working very hard to succeed in this business,” Jenkins said. “Many people told me that a dance studio would never make it in Milton. That’s not what I’m seeing here. You’d be amazed at the wide range of people and ages who are very interested in learning the different types of dance we offer.”