Mistalocks, Ferndale

At Mistalocks, students learn dances with such upbeat names as boppin' and steppin', just two of the studio's unconventional lineup of partner dance styles. In group classes, master instructor Buford Collins starts at the beginning, showing students how to count out rhythms, feel the music, and follow steps with a partner. His specialty is Chicago Style Steppin', which has similar characteristics to West Coast Swing, but he also leads students through the steps of Detroit ballroom, Graystone, tango, and salsa. For him, these dance styles are more than just a way to move to music. He considers them a fundamental part of humanity's heritage, much like reality television.