Born and raised in Edmonton, Greg began learning how to dance at the age of eight from his mother, who taught part time in her 'younger days'. She often attended dances at the Trocadaro and the Rainbow Ballrooms during the glory days of Edmonton's dance scene. This means that Greg has been dancing for the last 42 years...teaching for 33 of those!
Upon completing high school, Greg took instructor training and taught at the #1 franchised dance studio chain. He also trained and taught at the #2 franchised studio. However, he began to realize that he did not want to soft sell every potential client that walked through the doors. Greg's passion was dancing, not profit margins. Greg believes that dancing should be, above all else, fun.
Greg also realized that the "international" standard of dancing was not for everyone. He saw that the majority of people wanted to learn to dance so that they could look good at parties, clubs, weddings and other social events...not to compete internationally or do exhibitions, thus he began to focus on teaching social style of dancing. This allowed students to learn how to dance for the real world and make a lifelong hobby of dancing...not a career of it. Greg does not support "Dancesport". He recognizes football and hockey as sports and considers dancing an art. This is why Studio G is a non-competitive dance club. This is also why the term DANCEART is used as a part of our studio name.
Greg has instructed for various Edmonton Community Leagues through Parks & Recreation, the Y.M.C.A., the Y.W.C.A., both Edmonton Separate & Public Schools Continuing Education, and various private venues and cultural clubs in and around Edmonton. He was even a feature dancer on the old CITV television series, "DiscoDaze".
Greg specializes in teaching the absolute beginner, or those who are 'scared stepless'. His classes are fun, friendly, and easy paced. His classes are also affordable (he's an artist, not an opportunist), and are designed to get you out dancing and enjoying yourself. With the new serge in the popularity of dancing, largely due to television programs such as "Dancing With the Stars" & "So you Think You Can Dance", the market suddenly has "dance teachers" coming out of the woodwork! Let Greg's 30+ years of teaching experience go to work for you...you'll be glad you did!
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Greg's thoughts on Tango and Dance
- "Tango is danced with the heart, not the feet. It's more a matter of soul than of sole."
Yes, this is Tango;
music of passion,
voice of my soul.
Your very essence
grabs at my heart.
It beats in rhythm
With the Bandoneon
Intimate, sensual,
gentle and harsh.
The emotions, like love,
complex, intense.
Sing oh Bandoneon,
forever breathing life.
Like bittersweet perfume,
your melody lingers.
Yes this is Tango,
dance of passion,
voice of my soul. Greg Pocha, 2006
- "There are no mistakes in Tango"
- "In all honesty, it doesn't take two to Tango. Some of my most meaningful Tangos have been done by myself. If you ever find yourself feeling alone, or lost, sad or melancholy, or heartbroken, and it seems like it's you against the world - Tango. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles and play a Tango...and dance. Dance your cares away. Immerse yourself in the dance, intoxicate yourself with the music. When the dance enters your heart, there can be no room left for the pain."
- "Even a bad Tango, if danced with the heart, is beautiful"
-"Tango is a state of mind; it is the only dance that can be done sitting down."
- "Tai chi has been called moving meditation. Tango is moving meditation set to music."
-"The American/International style of 'tango' is as much Tango as McDonald's is gourmet dining."
- "Tango is making love on the dance floor. You can tell if you've done a good Tango if you feel like smoking a cigarette afterwards and then falling asleep."
- " I watched a couple perform an American "tango" the other day that brought me to tears. Intense pain usually does."
-" Because of all of the exaggerated head snaps in the American "tango", I highly discourage anyone with false teeth or glass eyes to attempt it."
-"I have to agree with the Argentine Tango Master who said that the best danced Tangos are "understated". Less IS more! As in love, the idea is to caress the dance, sometimes softly, othertimes intensely, but never to ravage it."
-"Even though there be a hundred others around you, when you Tango there's only you and your partner on the floor - only you and your partner in the world."
-"A properly danced tango should leave the dancers feeling as if they have beared their most intimate moments to those watching. And should leave those watching feeling like voyeurs."