Dance is so much more than just "dance"

& has always been a big part of who I am.

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      After graduating from culinary school in Chicago & running kitchens for a few years, I felt the passion for what I was doing start to slip away, and the culinary industry just became another "job". "The most beautiful fate, the most wonderful good fortune that can happen to any human being, is to be paid for doing that which he passionately loves to do."  (Abraham Maslow). at this point, I sat back and said, "I must try and fix this".  I've always been passionate about performing arts, animals & helping others.

      So, I Decided to answer an ad for Ballroom dance Instructors as well as veterinary technician. I GOT BOTH! Obviously, the one that really hit home was teaching dance.

      Seven years later, I decided to step away from teaching & studying in my home state of Michigan to see the world & Bring the joy of dance to the less fortunate. 

      Three incredible years pass of Breathtaking memories, new friendships & major life lessons. 28 countries filled with dancing, giving back, dancing, cultural experiences, instructing, dancing, studying local dances and oh yeah... more dancing.  at this point i decided it is time to settle down back home in Michigan and Open up Evoke Ballroom.

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The one language truly understood around the world is

the language of music..."DANCE".

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      in the past 10 years, I have helped &/or witnessed the blind, deaf,  wheelchair bound, people with cerebral palsy, almost all types of mental and physical disabilities, as well as those coming off surgeries move to the music like no one could imagine. From loss of loved ones, cancer patients, wallflowers & the depressed come out of their shells. The young, the old, rich, poor, all nationalities. from such different walks of life Come together, laugh together. so many smiles, times of frustration, laughter, tears, joy, determination, achievements, trust, pain, surprise, LOVE... for one's self & for others. differences ignored & boundaries broken, all because of "dance".

      From this, I must give deep thanks to the wonderful people I have taught, been taught by &/or came across in the dance industry. it's Because of you all, I felt the passion for life, career & the belief in others come flying back. It didn't take long for me to say, "this is it! my career! I feel ALIVE & I must share this with as many as possible!" 

    our mission here at Evoke. is To help make partner dancing popular again, give back & Evoke life through the wonders of dance! 

~  Jeffrey Rakowski     Owner/Instructor