Everything about Gary Bohlmeyer of Mr. B’s Ballroom Dance Academy exudes passion for the art of dance and teaching it. Over the last 46 years, he has traveled great distances and spent lots of money and time perfecting his skills so he can give it all back to the people.
It all began when a young Gary used to watch his Mom and Dad polka and waltz for enjoyment after long days of tending to their farm and family in a small Czech community in Nebraska. In the 60’s, Gary left the farm to take a job in Lincoln. It was there his boss, who was taking lessons with Arthur Murray, invited Gary to join a class. It was a 3-lesson special that ignited the young man’s passion. He was asked to join the teacher training program, where he quickly surpassed the skills of his teachers and soon became a revered instructor.
On a chance trip to Denver, Gary scouted out the city and ran across a dance studio. Just like in the movies, when Gary’s feet touched the floor, the studio manager said, “If you ever want a job, you have one!” A short time later Gary made the move, and that dance studio is exactly where he landed. He went on to become a top instructor and a national competitor.
Even the best of teachers needs a break, but Gary’s students wouldn’t allow him much of one. So began Mr. B’s Ballroom Dance Academy. His first studio was a private ballroom in the home of one of his students. A growing demand required a new studio at 9th and Sherman, a location now part of the Colorado Institute of Art. Continued growth demanded yet another move to a larger studio at 8th and Acoma, where Mr. B would teach for the next 30 years. Neighborhood development pushed Mr. B to remodel a new location at Colfax and Elm. It was shortly thereafter, like for so many small businesses, the recession struck hard.
Demand has now brought the Ballroom Dance Academy to right here in West Wash Park at the Grant Avenue Community Center and Sacred Place, 216 S. Grant Street, 
where Mr. B instructs by appointment only. Whether the student is getting married and needs to perfect that first dance or just has a hankering to learn the merengue, Mr. B’s lessons are focused on individual needs and goals.
When asked his favorite dance, Mr. B exuberantly replies with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye, “The one I’m doing!” He will go on to say, “Each one has its own passion or feeling.” He lives the words of Hans Bos: “While I dance, I cannot judge, I cannot hate, I cannot separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole. That’s why I dance.”
Learning to dance with Mr. B is certain to be a boost to your confidence and ability as well as an honor and treasured memory for life!
Your next step to detangling your Tango, call, Mr. B’s Ballroom Dance Academy, 303-825-4131, Custom Designed Classes by Appointment, Save $ By Scheduling A Lesson Package.
Written by Sandi Segal
See You ‘Round The Hood!
The Merchants of West Washington Park’s 2nd annual celebration began at 7:30 P.M. in the theater of the magnificent historic Grant Avenue Community Center & Sacred Place, 216 S. Grant St. More than 200 curly spirals of shiny ribbon attached to 80 helium balloons, sparkling little white lights, round tables, and French flavors of hors d’oeuvres, live jazz, Paris, and Moulin Rouge adorned the room. Of course, the star of the evening, the Beaujolais Nouveau in brightly labeled bottles stood at attention ready to serve, their shipping boxes, works of art in themselves, sitting empty, yet close by. Read more….
