Dancing the night away

Dancing is a life for Ion and Diana Postolachi.

When not traveling the country to compete, the couple is in their new Lewes studio teaching people of all ages and all skill levels the sport of ballroom dancing.

Gold Ballroom Dance Studio opened in the Villages at Five Points in July, and has already built a strong membership base. The studio offers both private and group lessons.

“What we’re trying to do here is create a community of people who love to dance,” Ion said. “We are giving people more things to do and sharing all the healthy benefits of dancing with the community.”

The couple moved to Lewes a few months ago after working at a studio upstate. Both Ion and Diana were born in Moldova and relocated to Romania for high school and university. They met while in Romania and emigrated to the U.S. in 2016.

Ion has been dancing since he was 5 years old; he attended a specialty high school to focus on competitive ballroom dancing. The International Olympic Committee recognizes ballroom dancing or dancesport as an official sport, although it has not yet been included in the Olympic games.

Diana also started dancing at a young age, moving to Romania for school. She graduated from high school with a specialty in teaching and from university after majoring in economics and business management.

After moving to the U.S., the couple became professional dance partners. After having their first child earlier this year, they are finally traveling for competitions. In addition to teaching, they are also taking lessons from some of the top professional coaches available.

For those new to ballroom dancing, Gold Ballroom offers a free dance evaluation where a person or couple work with Ion and Diana for a 20-30-minute private lesson.

Those interested in continuing may join via membership or by purchasing a package. Memberships are geared toward group lessons, while packages are for private lessons. They also offer dance lessons for special events such as weddings, accommodating a couple’s first dance, a mother-son dance or a father-daughter dance. They can even work with a group for a choreographed dance.

The studio’s lessons are open to all ages and all skill levels, and they will soon offer a children’s program. Among dance classes offered now are cha-cha, waltz, foxtrot, rumba and swing.

Those who stick with the studio can participate in a medal achievement program, which is a bi-annual test to show how much a student has improved. It provides students with clear goals that gives a focus to their dance education. It also helps students get more value out of their private lessons. Ion says the goal, however, is to have fun while enjoying the many benefits of ballroom dancing.

Ion said ballroom dancing is a great low-impact exercise that can improve muscle tone, relieves stress and has been shown to improve memory. It’s a year-round activity that can provide participants with an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Social dance parties are held twice a month, Diana said.

Ballroom dancing can also be something for couples to do together to get more connected, she said.

“As long as you can walk, you can dance,” Ion said.

In addition to classes and social events, the studio plans to host showcase events twice a year. Similar to Dancing With The Stars, students will prepare a routine with an instructor. They will then invite their friends and family, and show off what they’ve learned.

Gold Ballroom Dance Studio will host a grand opening party Friday, Nov. 5. The evening will include a performance by local singer Bryan Clark and a professional dance show. Food and drinks will also be served. The event is open to members and non-members. RSVP is required.

Gold Ballroom Dance Studio is located at 33322 E.Chesapeake Street, Unit 41 and 43, in the Villages at Five Points. To learn more, go to www.goldballroom.com or call 302-357-1200.

The 3,000-square-foot facility is also available to rent for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers and other private events.