— from an interview from a recent issue of Dance Notes.

Where do you see the American rhythm going so that it gets the respect it deserves?

Dan: I think the only thing that is going to give the rhythm respect is the quality of dancing, and that has changed drastically over the past five yeas. When you look at the competitors on the floor, they're all so good. If you look back five or ten years ago you would look on the floor and just cringe at times. What I see happening is the standard of dancing going up. I hope there doesn't come a time when the Latin and the rhythm become one. There's been talk that there might be just one style. I think our dances are unique. Growing up dancing, something that was always impressed upon me was that good dancing is always good dancing; there should not be a concern of how to portray good dancing. The questions should be, "Are they on balance?" "Do they look good at what they're doing?" "Am I watching a quality dancer and something that looks pleasing?" Instead of concerning ourselves with, "Is the leg straight or bent?"

Nicole: The American style has dances that are distinctive to our style, such as bolero and mambo, and other dances that have changes in the speed, such as swing being slower than jive giving it an earthy quality. Some of the American style dances have actual timing differences and basic steps that change the look or the feel of the dance, such as rumba. International Latin is a beautiful style and I admire it very much, but I think we have something very unique and beautiful as well.

There was talk at one time of changing some of the American style dances to merengue, hustle and west coast swing.

Dan: Save those for the nightclub.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Nicole: When I first started dancing, Diane Gingerich was my idol because she was such a classic, elegant and beautiful dancer. There are many people who inspire us in our dancing. One person who really inspired me was Beverly Kimmins. I went to a workshop when I was probably six months into my dancing at Arthur Murray. She was watching me do a spiral and she asked me to demonstrate it to the class. Afterward she told me I was so talented. She didn't even know me, but she gave me a little advice. It was such a wonderful feeling. Every coach I ever had has been important and a significant part of my dance career. Of course my entire family has always been behind me, so loving and supportive of my life in general. They are always there for me no matter what.

Dan: I would watch so many of the great dancers and I would want to be like all of them. There were qualities in each of them that I wanted to have. Inspiration is different than being encouraged. My coaches were always encouraging. There were times when I was frustrated with a partner or without a partner and I thought, "Why am I continuing to do this?" They kept saying, "It's out there for you and it will come along. Keep learning and it will pay off." There have been so many people who have been instrumental in helping me. Outside of the actual dance world I would say my family. They are behind me 100% and always supportive. I was never told, "Why don't you get a real job?" One of my biggest supporters is my daughter, Lindsey, who at this point in time is already a great dancer!