Learning How to Love Dance
By: Susan Belknap, Press-Tribune Editor
Monday, December 24, 2007

Dance instructors Steven and Nancy Fontaine, far left and far right, give lessons to
Carole and Mike Norman at their Roseville studio, Fontaine Dance / Roseville Ballroom.
Pico van Houtryve/ THE PRESS-TRIBUNE

Steve Fontaine had no idea when he gave his wife Nancy a gift certificate to take a few dancing lessons that it would turn into a full-time business the couple would operate together.

"I gave her the certificate in 1996 when we lived in Sonoma County," Steve said. "We both liked it from the start and used it as an opportunity to go out."

According to Nancy, the couple had been married 23 years before they ever danced together. They caught on to all the steps in such short order that the studio giving them lessons asked them to be instructors.

"Our teachers didn't just teach us how to dance, they taught us how to love dance," Nancy said.
In 2003 the Fontaines moved to Roseville, taught in several dance halls and private studios before opening their own business, Fontaine Dance, on Dec. 1.

"We were anxious to have our own studio," Steve said.

Fontaine Dance offers one studio and a 1,600-square-foot ballroom, which features a nightclub sort of feel with several small, round tables in the back of the room, an oak-cushioned floor and full-length mirror covering one wall.

"And there's always flowers on all the tables," Nancy said. "Fresh flowers."

"We wanted the ballroom to be elegant, and a place where people could go to relax and have a good time," Nancy said.

John and Rosemary Marty of Meadow Vista have been taking lessons from the Fontaines for about one year and have enjoyed the use of the newly opened studio and ballroom.

"Dancing was always an issue between my wife and me," John said. "Last year after being introduced to Steve and Nancy I decided to buy 10 lessons for Rosemary. After all these years, this has been one of the best things we've ever done." John said the Fontaines are great instructors because of the way they listen to his concerns about not feeling confident about his dancing skills.

"I had never danced before," John said. "I have always listened to music but had never been able to hear the beat. Steve and Nancy told me what instrument to listen for and I discovered I don't have two left feet."

Both Nancy and Steve have discovered many people lack self-confidence when it comes to dancing. Their solution to make anyone a better dancer is patience.

"You must believe in yourself," Nancy said. "We've never met anyone we couldn't teach."

"If you stick with it, you can learn," Steve added.

In addition to the classes the Fontaines conduct at their studio they also hold public dances two to three times each month at the Veteran's Hall in Roseville.

"We've been holding those dances for the last two years," Nancy said. "We usually average 120 to 150 people."

Nancy said those participating in the Vet's Hall dances can count on strutting their stuff to the music of waltzes, fox trots, tangos, rumbas and even some swing dancing and country dancing.

Placerville residents Molly Taylor and Jeff Sense have been taking lessons with the Fontaines for almost a year and according to Taylor, the couple practices every night in their own home. "It's just plain fun," Taylor said. "Plus Nancy is so patient and she gives you lots of encouragement. We feel like we're dancing with the stars."