Community Highlights: Meet Michael Lavigna of STEP Country Swing & Dance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Lavigna.

Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started country dancing when I was 22. The effects of the last recession were still happening and I was struggling to interview for a limited job market. A friend randomly brought me country dancing and I had a ton of fun that night. Being a horrible dancer at the time, I got the idea that if I could learn to dance and perform every night in front of strangers, I would be able to interview for a job with little anxiety.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I definitely struggled being a male, which is traditionally the lead, in country swing. Most female, which is traditionally the follow, do not know how to lead. It took a little while, but once I found a follow that also knew how to lead I started picking up how to dance quickly.

We’ve been impressed with STEP Country Swing & Dance, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
STEP Country Swing & Dance specializes in teaching people how to country swing and line dance. We offer private country swing lessons, a 4 week Bootcamp for beginners, and we do private party’s. What sets us out from other dance groups is we are focused on building confidence and community. Our motto is “Dance, Thrive, Socialize.” We really bring this to every lesson that we do. Our 4 week Bootcamp is designed to take someone with no dance experience and give them the skills that they need to go out to a dance hall by themselves and feel like they belong. Our private lessons tend to be a lot of couples looking to dance for a special occasion such as a wedding or an anniversary. For line dancing we typically do large events where big groups of people want to dance but not necessarily with a partner. Line dancing is great for socials, bachelorette party’s, and corporate events.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can contact us to setup what type of dance event they want to do. The best way to do this is explore our website and then reach out to us. Our website is: https://www.stepcountrydance.com/. You can also email owner Mike Lavigna at: [email protected].

Pricing:

• $280 for the 4 week bootcamp.
• $140 for a private studio lesson.
• $40 a person for a corporate event.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.stepcountrydance.com/
• Instagram: @stepcountrydance
• Facebook: @stepcountrydance