One of the many shows that seemed to be a staple during pledge times on PBS was the Ballroom Dance Championships. This icon of Public Television’s repertoire was hosted by the Juliet Prowse, one of the dancers from the old days of classic movie musicals. Competing couples from all over the world would strut their stuff for a worldwide audience and a discerning group of judges—performing dances such as the Cha-Cha, the Fox Trot and the Tango. These dances were not ones that an average high school kid would see at the prom. In an electric atmosphere, couples in the very prestigious competition would dance in the hopes of winning huge cash prizes along with the adoration of the dance world.

In a less formal, but geared more toward fun setting on certain Monday nights at the Terrace Room at the Lake Monticello Clubhouse, Forney and Judy Shell give free ballroom dance lessons to any couple that stops by and is willing to try something new. Forney is quick to tell the new and returning students that these classes do not exist to turn dancers into champion competitors or to go on “Dancing with the Stars,” but help them to get comfortable with the steps in social situations, such as large formal weddings, where ballroom dance is common. The object is to teach a couple the classic dances and be able to keep up with a tune while having a good time doing it.

Forney Shell, a travel agent for Fluvanna’s Globe Travel, and his wife, Judy, dance purely for enjoyment. This is a fun and healthy hobby for the couple that has been married for a little more than 20 years. Together, they have been dancing for the same amount of years, and it is an integral part of their lives as a couple. 
“We met at a dance,” said Forney, who added, “(We’ve) been dancing ever since.”

Teaching dance came later for the Shells not long after they moved to the area. They were a part of a dance group that met weekly at the Lake Monticello Clubhouse “just because we like to dance,” said Judy. They took over the informal classes from the couple that was heading it up. 

Over time, students started to dwindle, and they stopped the classes as interest seemed to fall away. That changed when a couple that knew them from the classes met them at a dance and asked them to re-start the weekly lessons. Judy and Forney agreed to start back to teaching ballroom dance on a once-a-week basis in September 2011, with a break during the holidays. At one time, they had class of eight couples, but it varies from week to week. The classes are geared so that even if a couple misses a lesson or two, they can easily catch up and not feel like they are falling behind. Interest in their ballroom dancing classes has been high, according to Forney, and classes have a steady following. They are pleased with the consistent turnout, so far, and hope it will continue.
There is no commitment or contract on the part of the students and all of the ballroom dancing classes are free of charge. The purpose of the classes is to give a couple confidence to get out on the floor, recognize the dance that goes with a tune and move your feet. You may even decide the classes will help with your New Year’s Resolutions if you’re trying to become more active or lose some weight. As a point of interest, the Shells are pleased to announce that they will be working with Fork Union’s own Etiquette School of the Commonwealth, headed up by Karen Bowles. They are slated to teach the students a few dances to prepare them for an upcoming formal dinner dance.

If you are interested in the free weekly lessons, you only need to come out to the Lake Monticello Clubhouse’s Terrace Room on Monday nights, if you are a resident of the Lake Monticello area. Others are welcome to contact Forney Shell by phone at (434) 591-6020 or by email at .