Bryan Scott is a Whiz Behind the Computer and Changing Lives on the Dance Floor

When Bryan Scott first stepped on a studio dance floor more than a decade ago, he had never danced a day in his life.

Neither had his wife Hollie, but she had always wanted to learn the tango. It was a year into their marriage when Scott decided to get her lessons as a Christmas gift.

“We thought it was the coolest idea, but most people who knew us before would never think in a million years that we would do this,” said Scott.

If you’ve ever put in an Information Technology (IT) Help Desk ticket for a technical issue that sprung up during the work day, it’s likely Bryan Scott was behind the speedy resolution. He’s been working as an IT Engineer at Monarch for the last four years.

After that first dance lesson, they fell in love with ballroom dancing and have been doing it ever since. From the tango and salsa to the waltz and jive and even more health and fitness focused dancing. They started as students and about a year later, dancing grew into a full-blown passion. They are both certified professionals and instructors at Planet Ballroom. But then their hobby came to a halt. Scott was working fulltime at Monarch in addition to putting in 20 hours each week teaching ballroom.

“Between life and two jobs and kids, we decided it was too much. We decided we needed to resign, but we really didn’t want to give it up completely,” said Scott.

Not long after putting in their resignation, the company made them an offer to join their corporate team. With his degree in Business Administration, his IT experience at Monarch and passion for ballroom dancing, it was an easy decision. Bryan is now vice president of operations and Hollie is vice president of image and branding on a part-time basis.

“We love it. We love the company, the people, and what it’s all about,” said Scott.

Bryan and Hollie coach in-studio once or twice a week and practice more leading up to a competition. But it’s not just about dancing, it’s about offering a life-changing experience.

“We always used it as a date night. It’s a great way for us to connect as a couple. But as a company, we try to create an environment for our members where they can leave whatever baggage they have from the outside world at the door. It’s just a time of fun and relaxation and energy that’s different,” said Scott.

The classes Scott teaches now have not only changed the way people dance and move, but have also changed their health and their perception of themselves.

“It really does build confidence. Most people aren’t accustomed to stepping out on a dance floor in front of a room full of people. That can be intimidating. For me, it gave me extra self-confidence. It was nerve-wracking when we first started, but now it’s exciting. It’s very self-empowering,” said Scott. “And as a couple, we communicate differently now. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done together.”

Scott said being able to share his passion with others as an instructor is just as gratifying. He recalled a student he worked with who had a turning point in her life through dance as well.

“She came to me for some personal lessons and said to me, ‘I can’t do that,’ and that broke my heart for her to say,” said Scott. He noticed this was something she said often and knew he had to help her put an end to the negative self-talk.

“I looked at her one day and I said, ‘You’re not allowed to tell me that anymore. You are you. Who you are tomorrow will be different than who you were yesterday.’ I noticed after that day she would say instead, ‘I’m working on it,’ ‘I’m trying harder,’ ‘I have to do it differently.’ That little switch changed her whole outlook on the way she viewed herself, the way she danced, the way she danced with other people and she’s a completely different person today than she was when she started. The time it took me to help her get there; that’s worth it,” said Scott.

When Scott isn’t working with other professional dancers, he and his wife are preparing for the next performance. Their next event is DanceAway Cabaret on August 26th at the Palmer Building in Charlotte. They will be performing a showdance routine and competing in both standard and latin categories.

If you’re curious to know more about ballroom dancing, you can contact Bryan at [email protected] or visit PlanetBallroom.com to find the nearest studio.