From the Ballroom to the Boardroom
Published: 06/11/2009
Robert Tang and Beverley Cayton-Tang are no strangers to taking risks.
Long before “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”, they were making their mark as three-time Canadian and two-time North American Amateur Ballroom Champions. But their journey wasn’t always as glamorous as the ballgowns that Beverley wore, nor as fun as what they projected when they had to defend their titles.
“When we decided to compete together, I was already the provincial champion, and ranked third in Canada with my former partner,” remarked Beverley. “My coach had suggested Robert, whom she felt had great potential. The challenge was that he had only been taking lessons for a very short time and had not yet competed at a Championship level. It would be like starting all over.”
With Robert, there was the pressure of having to play catch up. “It did help that I had a secret crush on Beverley,” he added, “so this motivated me to work even harder!”
For someone who has battled chronic shyness and dyslexia, Robert found a way to cope through competitive Ballroom Dancing. “When your voice won’t naturally say what your brains want, dancing was ideal for me because I could communicate non-verbally through facial expression and body movement. And leading your partner around the floor was like a game of chess, only more fun” laughed Robert.
Their risk-taking and hard work resulted in their becoming Canadian and North American champions. They represented Canada at five World Championships, competing in Denmark, Holland, Austria, Germany, and Japan.
In 2001, with the help of an Angel investor, the Tangs quit their day jobs and began a new chapter of their lives as business entrepreneurs. They launched www.dancescape.TV where people could view dance videos on the Internet, and www.dancescape.com where they could read about world-wide news and events, and shop online for dance supplies. In the evenings, the Tangs would coach competitive dancers in their downtown Burlington location.
In 2005, they launched their “For Absolute Beginners Only” Ballroom Dancing group workshop, which quickly became a success. This was followed later by their Club Salsa/Swing, and danceTONE “Trim and Tone” fitness programs.
Earlier this year, CBC Television profiled the Tangs on its business show, “Fortune Hunters”. Their episode can still be viewed online at www.cbc.ca/news/fortunehunters.
When the producers heard about their quest for second round growth funding, they invited them to appear on their other show, “Dragons’ Den”.
Stated Robert, “That was probably one of the biggest risks that we’ve ever taken – to put ourselves on the line in the boardroom, in front of a panel of tough business moguls on national television. But we felt that no matter what happened, it was the opportunity of a lifetime to tell our story to the investment community and national media.”
The great news is that Shoppers Drug Mart is now selling danceScape’s “Learn-to Dance @home” Party Packages through its www.lifeEXPERIENCES.ca program. The Tang’s 2-DVD instructional video, “For Absolute Beginners Ballroom Dancing” will also be sold in Canada through www.shopdragonsden.com, with a portion of proceeds going to breast cancer support services.
In January, the Tangs will be launching their Teacher Training for anyone interested in becoming a danceScape instructor. For more information, E-mail info@dancescape.com or visit www.dancescape.com.
photo credit: Balance MagazineRobert Tang & Beverley Cayton-Tang
