On a sunny Monday afternoon, I went to Cinema Ballroom for a dance lesson. I sat down at a table and began fastening my shoes. I looked up and realized I was not alone at the table. Curious about my table companion, I asked him when he started dance lessons. He grinned and began to tell me his story.
Patrick Moriarity’s life had been focused solely on the successful steel company that he owns, which meant that he made little time for other activities in his life. A lot changed for him in September 2009 when he bet with his good friend Dennis Omen that his parents would not join them on a very windy weekend at Siskiwit Bay Marina to go sailing on Lake Superior. If he lost the bet, he promised that he would take a free dance lesson at Cinema Ballroom.
“Here come my parents. You lost the bet. Take dance!” was Dennis’ gleeful announcement.
A whole year went by, and with Dennis’ continued persistence, Patrick finally gave in and took his first dance lesson in January 2010. He went to Goodwill and bought a pair of $20 dress shoes for the first lesson. He thought he would throw them away but found himself taking one lesson a week. In May 2010, he prepaid for five lessons prior to leaving on a sailing trip with Dennis, knowing that it would force him to continue to dance. After 49 days and 2,600 miles to St. John’s in Newfoundland, he returned to Cinema and found that his instructor had left, so he was introduced to a new instructor, Nadine Messenger.
Nadine can attest to the fact that sailor Patrick came back into the studio with poor posture wearing an untucked T-shirt and jeans. He was a bit grumpy and reluctant to take the first dance step with her.
“Now I see him every day. I was moved to tears when Patrick, wearing his smooth Doré vest and pants with proper ballroom shoes, accepted the Wisconsin State Top Newcomer Male trophy award at his first competition,” reflected Nadine.
“How do you think dance changed you?” I asked Patrick.
“I am learning something new each day, and the physical and emotional benefits follow. I have a life now. I feel younger and valued. My work associates feel I am now a pleasant boss and easier to work with. Dance has offered me health and social outcomes that no pill can provide,” Patrick replied.
Nadine and Patrick have not only competed but have also danced at various showcases. The most recent one was the Winter Showcase at Cinema Ballroom. They danced East Coast Swing to “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” West Coast Swing to “Santa Baby,” and a foxtrot to “Mr. Grinch.”
Patrick also encouraged his grandchildren Camron (5) and Tanner (8) to perform at the event, making their debut as little grinches. Patrick wishes that he would have started dance earlier in life, and the last event gave him the opportunity to introduce dance to his grandchildren.
“Losing a bet was the best thing that ever happened to me. I want to say a special thank you to Nadine, my dance instructor, and to Dennis Omen, who is currently sailing around the world. He will be surprised to know that I am still dancing,” Patrick beamed.
