With the utmost gratitude . . .
After directing Beginners Only Social Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio for 23 years - Allen Darnel will retire from teaching
to finish and promote his third work, Ballroom World Dance Book which catalogues an experience of 55 years of teaching.
As of December 10, 2011 – Beginners Only Dance Studio ensues on a new journey.
During Allen Darnel’s tremendous personal path of lessons learned, dance teachers he met and professionals he managed,
he carefully discerned all of the possibilities and prospects for the future of Beginners Only Social Ballroom & Latin Dance
Studio. At this point, Allen Darnel passes the torch to two distinguished teachers of dance in the Houston community,
W. Michael Smith and Enrique Baez-Trevino who will now manage the studio.
With a background in Theatre, and then gaining further experience and practical training in broadcasting from the military’s
Defense Information School – W. Michael Smith discovered a natural aptitude for conveying information. Michael continues
to draw from his experience to provide his students with clear, concise instruction and patience vital for learning. He maintains
the view that anyone who wishes to learn should be nurtured into becoming the best dancer their individual talents allow.
Growing up with dancing in his family, Enrique Baez-Trevino had many opportunities to learn dancing socially and trained
since the age of 13 in ballet, jazz and modern dance with Silvia Zuniga – a well known trainer. He further developed his
skills in Musical Theatre and training at the University of Texas Fine Arts Department while participating in several dance
troupes in the Austin area. At the age of 25, he started teaching Social Ballroom in Houston working and training under the
favorable auspices of William T. Ray and Sunny Williamson, both highly accomplished former competitors and renowned
adjudicators. Enrique’s thorough teaching style and attention to footwork, connection, leading and following gives his students
a strong base for all their future social dancing. His experience provides Beginners Only Social Ballroom & Latin Dance
studio unparalleled versatility and knowledge of all genres of dance.
With many years of teaching experience, the new management of Beginners Only Dance Studio propels it into a center for
learning and self development.
And so, Allen Darnel’s legacy of teaching
lives on into a new era. . .
Enrique Baez-Trevino W. Michael Smith
