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Dancing it Forward
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: August 2023
For Danie Beck, the joy of Dance is meant to be shared with Cashiers and beyond.
Danie Beck (far right) teaching at Cashiers School of Arts
For close to half a century, Danie Beck has been a career dance instructor. But as an octogenarian, she desires to volunteer her time and talents to helping all ages learn and enjoy various types of dance.
And, if a fundraiser happens to be part of an event, even better.
“When I was driving to my home at Lake Glenville in 2010 to move permanently from Miami, I decided it was my time to give back. I didn’t know many people in the area because I had only visited the area sporadically. So right away I got involved as a volunteer for Relay for Life, Fishes and Loaves, Cashiers Cares, Mountain Youth Charities Barn Dance, and Cashiers School of the Arts.”
For the latter organization, which is less than a year old, Beck assists with arts education classes for all ages, but she is also the dance instructor for the every-Monday, from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M., Dancing on the Green at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers.
The event, which began in May and runs through September 25, is an opportunity for singles and couples to learn dance in an affordable, no-pressure environment. Beck said she is having a blast sharing her skills.
“I’m a generational dance teacher,” she explained. “My mom was a dance teacher and had her own dance studio, and now my daughter and granddaughter teach as well. My mother even named me based on the word ‘dance.’ I owned a large studio in Miami for 40-plus years and had around 600 students. I was hired to choreograph the Orange Bowl parade and half time show for seven years. So now that I have a chance to teach ballroom or line dancing, or whatever else I feel like throwing in, and people are having a great time – well, it’s very rewarding.
“The whole idea of Dancing on the Greens is to dance, mix and mingle, and make some new friends. I love people coming together and enjoying dance instruction. And, it’s still teaching for me, so I’m still active and that’s what has kept me feeling healthy and young.”
Admission is $5 per person, or anyone can purchase a season pass for $45/person or $80/couple. To register for class, or for more info call Danie at (305) 215-6838.
