STEUBENVILLE — The ballroom dance classes that are being offered at the Sycamore Youth Center have been opened to include not only children who are 12 years of age and older, but they will now be offered to their siblings and parents, as well.

Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman announced the class will now become a family-friendly instruction time for everyone.

Leading the instruction are Dan and Mary Selmeczy, a duo who is well-regarded in the local dance community.

The Selmeczys are known for their experienced, relaxed and encouraging approach to teaching dance, Bauman noted.

During the ballroom dance course, the Selmeczys will be guiding participants through the foundational steps of several popular ballroom and social dances.

Dances will include the Swing, Rumba, Waltz and Foxtrot, officials said.

Bauman commented that he is enthusiastic for this new offering at the center.

He explained the program’s goals extend far beyond the physical movements of the dance floor.

Bauman emphasized these classes serve as a positive and engaging outlet for youth to develop practical life skills that will serve them well into the future.

It is now an opportunity for parents, as older adults, to learn the steps of dances which their parents or grandparents danced to.

“Ballroom dance is about much more than learning steps,” Bauman stated. “It helps young people gain confidence, learn respect and teamwork and develop skills they can carry with them into adulthood.”

Addition changes include the class times, which will now run from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The new schedule began on Thursday at the Sycamore center, located at 301 N. Fourth St.

The classes will continue to take place on Thursdays, including on the following dates: Thursday, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 5, March 19 and March 26.

Those interested in signing up can visit sycamorecenter.com/classes to enroll. For information, call Dan Selmeczy at (530) 519-2638.