Eric Turcio, QBS President and Founder
Dancing has always brought me out of the "real" world of work and stressors and into a world where I can be my "authentic" or "true" self. It takes me away from the everyday routine and allows me to smile, laugh, and most importantly, relax. I have been dancing for twenty years. I started to dance at the age of two when I began to move around the dance floor, imitating my grandparents dance steps. To this day, I continue to love dancing only now I dance in professional competitions. Prior to my full time dedication to Ballroom Dancing I danced for several top dance studios in Connecticut. I studied Tap and Jazz for several years and still incorporate dance moves from those dance routines into my Ballroom choreography.
Ballroom Dancing in particular, has changed my life in many ways. I started Ballroom Dancing at the age of eleven. I began by taking dance lessons and being coached to compete in Dance competitions. I began these lessons at the "Let's Dance in Rhythm," Dance Studio in Branford, Connecticut. Ballroom Dancing has helped shape me into the person I am today. It has given me self-confidence, self respect, proper social skills, and the ability to move across the dance floor with a level of proficiency that I never thought I would ever master. It has opened my life to a huge social network that has allowed me to make great friends and develop positive professional dance contacts.. Ballroom Dancing has taught me my strengths and weaknesses. It has helped me to discover my physical limitations. Being aware of these important aspects of my dance personality assists me in planning better dance strategies when I dance with other people.
I have received many awards for my Ballroom Dancing performances. Among them are the On Stage America competition's--" Mr. Charm Award"; the "Gold award", in the Dance Masters of America, New York City chapter #26, Performing Arts Scholarship competition; First place in my divisions at the Tri-State Challenge competitions from 2001 to 2009, performing the dance categories of Swing, Cha-Cha, Rumba, and Salsa; and First place in the Pro/AM Division Dancing Ala Carte in Swing, Cha-Cha, Salsa, and Rumba. I have also ranked in many collegiate dance competitions. I recently performed on WTNH, News Channel 8's "Connecticut Style" program, demonstrating the Cha-Cha for their "Dance Party Friday", segment.
Shortly after I came to Quinnipiac University, I found out that it never had Ballroom Dancing on campus. Once I learned about this, I decided it was time there was such a program. I talked with Linda Wooster, the Assistant Director of Athletics, at the time, and together, we worked to create a Ballroom Dancing class. The class was a huge success. As a result of this success I worked to start a Ballroom Dancing Club, where students can just come to relax, have fun, and learn some new dance moves. In the first year alone, there were over 160 students who signed up to join the club. The Quinnipiac Ballroom Society is now in its third year, and I am very proud of it. I am also proud of having worked to get a Ballroom Dancing class started where students can now get PE credit for taking Ballroom Dancing. This course is taught by a professional Ballroom Dancer who is my dance instructor, Karen Pfrommer. Karen also coaches the Quinnipiac Ballroom Society Team. Karen is co-owner of the "Let's Dance in Rhythm" Dance Studio, where I have taken lessons since I began to learn how to be a Ballroom Dancer.
Ballroom Dancing consumes a major portion of my time away from Quinnipiac University.
When I am not at Quinnipiac, I perform in various Ballroom Dancing showcases along the Connecticut Shoreline. I also compete in local, regional, and national competitions where I have ranked in top categories. I am involved with many community organizations where I help raise money by Dancing for them or by providing entertainment for various charity events throughout New Haven County. My career goal is to be a TV News Anchor. I would say that Ballroom Dancing has given me the confidence and public exposure I need to break into such a competitive profession.