Enchanted By Dance

Up until six years ago, Kerry Bartlett stayed as far away from the dance floor as possible. No foxtrot, waltz or tango for her, thank you very much. Then she agreed to be one of the “stars” in Dancing With Vero’s Stars, the glamorous and highly successful fundraiser for the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition. Kerry has been moving to the music ever since, competing in several ballroom dance events. This past April she and eight fellow dancers spent a week in Buenos Aires, Argentina, soaking up the history and culture of the city known as the birthplace of the tango. 

It all started when she said yes to Dancing With Vero’s Stars. “I believe in what Healthy Start is about, and I wanted to do what I could to support the nonprofit organization. I had no idea that the experience would totally change my life,” says Kerry, sharing a knowing look with Oleg Dimitrov, the professional dance instructor she feels fortunate to have been paired with. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Oleg’s help and the commitment we made to each other back then.” 

That commitment centered on Kerry’s desire to perform the paso doble, a dance modeled after the sound, drama and movement of the Spanish bullfight. A challenge for even the most seasoned dancer, it was considered impossible for a novice. 

Oleg, who with his wife, Asya, owns the Royal Ballroom Dance Studio, was no stranger to working with beginners. With only three months to choreograph and perfect their routine, Oleg was delighted to discover that Kerry was a quick study, learning the steps he taught her and adding a few flairs and flourishes of her own.