While some students spend their free time playing soccer, practicing trombone, or painting art, MVHS freshman Peter Parra participates in ballroom dance and piano. Parra’s dedication to honing his craft and his diverse interests makes him a shining example of how hard work and passion can lead to success, MVHS Orchestra teacher Ricky Alegria said.
“Peter’s work ethic in class is phenomenal [and he] has done a lot to enhance our music program and enhance our chamber orchestra,” Alegria said. “I can definitely tell that there has been significant growth in his skill despite it being only a few months into the school year.”
Parra’s love for ballroom dancing came from both his parents, who both danced in college. Introduced to the sport as a 6-year-old, Parra has been dancing ballroom for eight years and appreciates the unique angle of the sport. Unlike piano, ballroom dancing allows Parra to connect with others—specifically, his dance partner.
“It’s like connecting with other people as you need to be able to understand their ‘spine’ and their weight along with your own,” Parra said.
Parra said ballroom dancing requires dancers to control their body by being able to keep one part still and another part active and moving.
Ballroom dancing is split up into two different styles, Parra said. The first is standard ballroom dancing, which includes the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot and quick step. Latin, the second style, includes dances such as the cha cha, samba, rumba, bachata and jive. Parra chose to focus on Latin.
“[Latin dancing] is more effective and compassionate despite both being amazing dances to dance,” Parra said.
Parra said all dances require different mastery of skills, as they have different time signatures and beats to follow. Despite the base rhythm of each piece in a genre being similar, each has different emotions and the dancers can express those emotions through the dance that they perform for the judges during competitions, Parra said.
Parra said ballroom requires an understanding of both one’s own body and their partner’s movements. The technique takes time and doesn’t come easily, Parra said.
Parra, who also plays the piano, said that managing time does get difficult at times, especially conflicts of competitions or practice time. At difficult times, he said the difference between dance and piano is that one is a team effort while piano is a solo act.
“Peter’s work ethic in class is phenomenal, [Parra] has done a lot to enhance our music program and enhance our chamber orchestra…I can definitely tell that there has been significant growth in his skill despite it being only a few months into the school year,” Alegria said.
