BDC Student Spotlight: Stephen & Danielle Abernathy

With their beach wedding quickly approaching, Stephen and Danielle came to Ballroom Dance Chicago for a special first dance; as Stephen put it, he wanted to “look classy.” They spent the following months learning country two step and single swing to their favorite song, Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You.” Every Saturday, Stephen and Danielle came into the studio, their giant smiles exuding warmth and kindness to everyone, especially to each other. Whether Danielle was whipping her hair around in turns or Stephen was singing the lyrics to their song, this couple had a ball together while learning to dance. After an impressive performance at their wedding on Tybee Island in Georgia, Stephen and Danielle continue to grow closer and develop their dance skills.

How did you meet each other? Was it love at first sight?
Stephen says, “We met through our mutual friends in Charlotte, NC. I couldn’t be without her after the first time I met her…it was only a matter of time before I could make a move on her…”

How did your wedding guests react to your first dance?
They were impressed. One of our friend’s wife said she wanted to get married again (to the same man of course) so she could take dance lessons like we did.

What was the best thing about learning to dance together?
How much better we were communicating about our dance and how we were performing as the lessons progressed. And the fact that we got a lot closer during the process.

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
We love the diverse culture of this city, the food, the great friends we have met and football season at Irish Oak and Sully’s.

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
Until recently, our First Dance song, “God Gave Me You,” by Blake Shelton.

Congratulations Stephen and Danielle!!