By Meredith Knight | Photos by The Teal Album
Brian Magie admits he was more than a little nervous when he first met Margaret Kochan in 2019 and began his waltz lessons at A Dance to Remember (ADTR). But it was important to his daughter that he learn to waltz with her for her National Charity League (NCL) waltz.
“We practiced for several weeks and completed the dance at her senior presentation,” he said. “It was a lovely evening.”
Brian was back again the following year with his younger daughter. “I’d forgotten how supportive and patient Margaret is. The day of my daughter’s senior presentation, Margaret was there early for one last practice. When each girl was presented, she clapped and showed great support. She made sure the dads were on the correct side and that we didn’t break etiquette. I was thankful for everything she did to support all our families and help make it a wonderful event.”
Mike and Carla Fisher also met Margaret through NCL and were so impressed, they decided to sign up for lessons themselves after the charity event ended. “We look forward to our lesson each week,” Carla said. “We’ve even made it our date night!”
Lessons for Everyone
Long hailed as Rockwall’s premier dance studio, A Dance to Remember offers dance instruction in ballroom, Latin, country and western, line dancing, east and west coast swing, Carolina shag, and Argentine tango to students of varying ages, dance proficiency, and fitness levels — and partners are never required.
“Our program features private lessons, group sessions, and studio practice parties to fit any budget and time constraints,” Margaret said. “We also offer wedding lessons and holiday party preparations.”
Supplementing partner dancing styles, the studio also offers dance conditioning classes, tap, belly dancing, and flamenco. And although they mostly work with adults, ADTR offers home school and quinceañera classes.
The Magic of Dance
“A Dance to Remember is for anyone with a desire for greater fulfillment through dance,” Margaret said. “Instruction is structured and thorough, but it’s also fun and exciting. The benefits of dance are myriad, everything from positive self-image, to improved posture and balance, from body strengthening to social interaction, from improved spatial awareness to better memory. Dance provides a sense of accomplishment, promotes friendship with likeminded people, and offers the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of movement. Dance helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. And it’s a hobby you can share with your spouse or friend. For customers who value following a comprehensive dance curriculum, we offer medal certification of achievement in bronze, silver, and gold levels of social dances.”
Changing Lives Every Day
Margaret loves nothing more than helping customers overcome their physical, mental, and emotional limitations and assisting them in their journey to a more exciting life. “I’m blessed to celebrate their accomplishments and find satisfaction in their successes — no matter how big or small,” she said. “Some of my customers have been with me more than 10 years. I’m humbled by their trust and confidence in my work.”
She also can’t say enough about her dynamic team of instructors. “Tap Instructor Madonna Nuckolls, Belly Dancing Instructor Rim Hallak, and Flamenco Instructors Robert and Mercedes Granados support me in making my studio the friendliest and happiest spot in town,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without them.”
Giving Back
Since Margaret opened the ADTR studio in 2008, she has emphasized giving back to the community. ADTR has assisted various nonprofits by staging events from which all the proceeds were given to those in need. Margaret also has donated dance lessons gift certificates and sponsored collections of items for local charities and nonprofits such as Food Pantry of Rockwall County Helping Hands, the Rainbow Room, International Red Cross, and Rockwall Pregnancy Resource Center.
Upcoming Events
It’s an exciting time of year at A Dance to Remember with their upcoming fall and spring showcases featuring individual students as well as groups of performers. “Showcases allow our students to demonstrate their mastery and showmanship before their friends, family, and fellow performers,” Margaret said.
“’ADTR is where memories are created’ is more than just a motto for the studio,” Margaret said. “Be our guest and begin creating your own memories!”
Call (903) 456-4717 to sign up for lessons just in time for National Dance Day on September 17. Mention Lakeside Living Magazine and receive one complimentary studio practice party for two.
Meet Margaret Kochan
Margaret (Malgorzata) Kochan has been teaching dancing since 1991. She received her dance training from the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow, Poland, and the School of Arts and Culture, in Warsaw and an Advanced Ballroom Teaching Certification from Fred Astaire Dance Studios in the U.S. She continues to refine her dancing and teaching skills working with world-class performers and coaches.
“Teaching people to dance isn’t just a profession, but a ministry,” she said. “I’m blessed to share my God-given talent with customers who become like extended family. Making new dance friends is the best part of owning a studio. If dancing is your passion, then teaching you is mine,” she said.
