It starts with learning to walk. The ending is up to how much a student wants to learn.

Overby and Blackwell demonstrate techniques.

Everyone was the same when they started, dance instructor Kem Overby said during his weekly dance classes at the Roanoke River Mill in Weldon. “The first night I taught, no one says one word.”

By the end of the first class there were smiles and Overby, who has been teaching dance since 1976 and owns Botofogo with his girlfriend in South Hill, Virginia, sees the difference after only a few classes. “These are my children. I taught everyone to walk across the floor.”

Even when Roanoke Rapids optometrist Diana Pesteanu, who just came back from a competition in Virginia Beach two weeks ago where she won first place in the bronze category, began, she was terrified, Overby said. “She didn't know what to do. When she went to Virginia Beach she was a star.”

Overby and Pesteanu on the floor.

Pesteanu was at the mill for her private lessons with Overby Wednesday night before the other weekly lessons began. “I love music. The music turned me to dance.”

Overby knows that feeling when he learned the Hustle as a way to meet girls during the disco era. From there he became a teacher, working with Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire studios before going out on his own.

The Roanoke River Mill is a perfect satellite for the many classes he teaches. “I think it's great. It's got hardwood floors. The posts are a lot easier to get around around than a drunk.”

Even greater than the venue, however, is what is being learned at the historic mill. “What it's teaching is to go out and have a good time,” Overby said.

The Jensens.

One of the students Wednesday night is Joe Jensen, a former dance instructor himself, who comes out with his wife Sherry for the classes.

“I've been out of it a long time,” Joe, who learned to dance during the disco era, said.

He taught all the ballroom steps but over time lost them. With the dance classes, “They're coming back to me and I'm getting in better shape.”

Lee Copeland received his dance lessons as a Christmas present and he and his wife, Dee, are regular attendees.

“We love coming here with all the people,” Dee said.

“I love to get out and dance,” Lee said.

The dance lessons build confidence, Sherry said. “You stand taller. You smile more.”

Dancing makes other people envious, Joe says. “People say you look great. I say get your butt out of the chair and learn.”

The thing about the classes, Dee says, is they are not geared for couples only. “You don't have to come as a couple, you can come by yourself. You don't dance here as a couple.”

Practicing moves.

Emma Blackwell is one of Overby's teaching assistants and is an aspiring dancer, who at 16 has already had 10 years of lessons.

She has seen the nervousness of students the first time they come for classes. “You see all the nerves go away by the time the class is over.”

The classes help people engage more socially, Blackwell said. “It's a great social skill for everyone to have.”

Blackwell, Akasha Bache, Justin Klinger and Katherine Flynn are the assistants that make the program work, Overby says. “I would not be able to do this without them.”

While the next set of classes don't start until seven more weeks, Overby encourages those interested to come by the mill to watch. The classes are at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.

For those who join the class, Overby vows, “I guarantee we can have you dancing in 12 weeks.”

For more information contact Overby at 828-231-1582.