Calloway has coached the Georgetown University and University of Maryland Dancesport ballroom teams for the past 15 years. He moderates professional panels at the annual Independence Day Ball at the Rockville Hilton. In Calloway’s more than 30 years as a ballroom dance competitor and instructor, he has been named a finalist in both the Asian-Pacific and United States Professional 10-Dance events and has won numerous awards, including professional of the year and top teacher. What’s your biggest feat?
Influencing dance teachers and reaching so many people. I teach in many studios and cities and it has a ripple effect.
Your favorite city to teach in is …
Washington, by far. It’s a much more open environment and there are a variety of people moving from studio to studio.
Who “makes it” in the dance world?
The people who get somewhere are those with a passion for dance and who surround themselves with positive influences.
Is this your day job?
It’s the only thing I’ve done to support myself for 35 years.
Your biggest hardship is …
The hardest thing is that I can’t say yes to everything. I have to say no often and turn down judging competitions and giving private or group lessons.
Who do you enjoy working with most?
College students. They’re already prepared to take on dance from an academic approach. They see a move as more than a physical action, and they have a lot of questions.
When did you start dancing?
In 1977 I took a one-month course called social dancing at the University of Delaware with my twin brother. I never stopped.
What’s makes ballroom special?
I’ve just done so many different things — skydiving, soccer, music, academics, marathons — but this is the activity I find the most rewarding.
Is dancing for everyone?
Absolutely. The younger and the older, the better.
– Natalie Plumb
