Quick on His Feet--Dancer Scores High in the Ballroom and the Classroom

"Dancing with the Stars," a competition that paired celebrities with professional ballroom dancers, was this summer's hottest breakout reality TV show. But the fact that the show inspired America’s newfound love for ballroom dancing came as no surprise to Anatoly Shir, a junior international business and marketing major, because this art has been close to his heart since age 12.

Shir placed first in the Manhattan Amateur Dance Sport Classic this year and competes with his partner all over the world. Shir, who won the Youth U.S.A. Ballroom Dance Championship in 2001, was born in Ukraine and moved to Chicago at age 10. While taking up wrestling and kickboxing, he suffered a devastating injury to his leg that deterred his participation in both sports. The turn of events led Shir, vice president of MSU's International Business Society, to embark on the journey of becoming a ballroom dancer.  "I love the competitiveness and the artistic element of ballroom dancing. It's a perfect combination of sport and art. I was a shy kid, but this sport has allowed me to break out of my shell and has instilled confidence within me," he said.

Ballroom dancing includes two forms of the sport: Latin and standard. Shir was intrigued by the Latin version that he has been perfecting by watching tapes and practicing for three hours every day. Also a dance instructor at the Starlight Dance Center in Nutley, Shir says he is dedicated to the sport, but is also committed to getting an education. "Balancing my college classes and dance schedule is very time consuming and challenging, but I am still able to manage." He does more than manage--Shir holds a 4.0 grade point average.

"This style of dance develops artistic expression while also allowing one to become goal oriented," he said. "You are constantly re-evaluating yourself, it's a great lesson in self-management and a good prerequisite for the real world."

Even with all the buzz on ballroom dancing (there's another reality show called "Ballroom Bootcamp" on TLC where everyday people learn the moves), Shir says it's just scratching the surface. "It will take some time for people to really get into it but it's definitely a stepping stone."

Shir dreams of turning pro and opening a dance studio for children in the future. His next competition will be in Astonia, Thailand. But Shir sees ballroom dancing as more than just a sport. "It's the beauty of human nature."