Red Hot Ballroom in Palm Desert teaches basic dance steps — along with some life lessons

It’s a new decade and time for a new way to rethink our connections. It seems like everyone is always on their devices. Experts say we are actually losing the art of interacting with one another. So, how are we going to motivate young people to actually look at each other and connect? One local nonprofit has found the answer ... on the dance floor! Red Hot Ballroom is literally bringing young students face to face and arm in arm.

There’s a good chance that many of our local young people have never danced the waltz. Or even heard of the classic box step or salsa. But there’s also a good chance that has changed — thanks to the passionate folks behind Red Hot Ballroom.

Former board member Robert Berens told us: “We are teaching basic ballroom dancing steps to students for many reasons. Of course, it's great for them to learn the elementary routines, but it encompasses so much more. They learn about music and timing and how to hold their postures. But most importantly, they learn how to look at one another and enjoy the movements. They have a lot of fun.”

Bringing ballroom and Latin dance to low-income and at-risk children in grades 4 through 7 has proven to be a huge success with both the children and the schools. Karen Mack is one of the volunteer instructors, and she believes the rewards for all are impressive. “The students can't wait for us to begin class every week,” she says. “They learn lots of fun routines and are so proud of themselves.”

The after-school program is in all three local school districts, reaching 34 elementary and intermediate schools throughout the Coachella Valley. There is no cost to the children, their families or the school districts; in addition, the nonprofit conducts a free competition in May, prior to the end of the school year. Dance outfits, trophies and medallions for the more than 1,000 students participating in the program are provided free as part of the nonprofit’s mission to use music and dance to build confidence and self-esteem. The children learn to stand up to negative peer pressure; they also learn social skills and respect for others.

“The students are learning a lot more than just dance steps,” Berens says.

Sometimes the best answer to modern problems is to go back and take a look at the past. For at least one hour every week, these young people are putting down their devices and holding on — and connecting — to one another.

Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as co-host of the nationally syndicated show "PM Magazine." She went on to host many local and national shows like "Hollywood Insider" before becoming one of the original anchors for E! In 2017, she moved full time to the desert to join NBC Palm Springs as the correspondent for NBCares.