Although she enjoys power walking, traveling to places far and near, and hiking trails, her motto is “Don’t play the music, if you don’t want me to dance.” If when she enters a space and hears the cadence of a beat meant to express an immeasurable fulfillment, her fingers start snapping and her feet automatically shift from walking with a purpose to dancing with abandon. Dancing for her stems from a personal desire to reach a higher level; an indescribable plain where the height of joy resides. Dancing allows her to express in totality her joy, contentment, happiness, excitement, and gratitude for the gift of an unanticipated abundant life. She discovered her love for ballroom dancing well into adulthood, having never had any interest in waltzing or foxtrotting to anywhere. Upon receipt of a gift certificate to take ballroom dance lessons from a circle of sister/friends, she realized her love for dancing had reached a higher height. Her love for dance is evidenced in her home with word art such as Always Say Yes to Dancing or Dancing in This Kitchen Sparks Joy!
Now that she is in the final season of her life’s journey, she is grateful for a continued degree of enthusiastic energy, flexibility and mobility to still move with abandon, and the cognitive ability to retain the intricacies of the dance steps that Dance Instructor Extraordinaire, Andrew Brown has taught her over the past six years. This is why she enthusiastically said “yes” to dancing in this year’s Dancing with the Capital Region Stars, and why she is passionate about supporting the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation.
The Warren and Denyse Mackey Foundation is a nonprofit organization (501C3) that focuses on addressing the needs of marginalized communities in the Capital Region, particularly the African American community, by offering educational scholarships and youth programming. Their signature program, Heart of Hope, aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access by addressing barriers, and provides crucial preventative care and cancer screenings regardless of having insurance that has ultimately saved lives. The Foundation offers support for families impacted by heart illness and cancer, offering diversion activities or resources to help them get through their tough times. Their mission is 100% dedicated to the Capital District area with 97% of donations being used for local programming.
While Thelma enjoys dancing Rumba, Cha Cha, Merengue, Bolero, Samba, Salsa, and Bachata, she believes that when God calls her to leave her earthly body, the gentleman in Him will extend his hand and invite her to the white marble dance floor He is presently preparing just for her, and she will Waltz around heaven for all eternity. In the meantime, she will continue to dance like no one is watching.
Andrew is a Ballroom dancer and a Ballroom dance instructor within the capital district. He's a member of the Capital District USA Dance Association, The Benedicts Dance Association and American International Dancers Association. He's been dancing for 14 years and teaching for 11 years. Trained under New York State Champion Dan DeBenedetto, World Champion Pierrette Chartier from Canada, Senior Champions Paul and Louise Giuliano, Champion Dancers Florin Vlad and Natalia O’Connor, Nation Champions and Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach, who made it to the second round on The World of Dance this season (2018) and were Pro dance instructors on Dancing with the Stars for seasons in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. (Daniella and her partner won the mirror ball for the 2021 season).
He teaches Beginner and Advanced ballroom dances for group lessons, private lessons, first dance for weddings and Continual Education Dance Program for Schools.
As a youngster, he always loved dancing, and when he was introduced to the world of ballroom, he enjoyed it and knew right away that he wanted to teach. Dancing is a wonderful form of exercise for all ages being single or couples. Treat yourself and take advantage of some dance lessons to see the difference it can make for you.
Dances taught: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Salsa, Bolero, Merengue, Hustle, Night Club Two Step, Bachata, Quick Step, Viennese Waltz, Samba and Country Two Step.
