MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Tony Thomke of the Susquehanna Ballroom Dance Society, left, gives some tips to Taylor Potter, 11, of Pine Creek, and Rachel Steppe, 12, of Collomsville, during a ballroom dance class at Judy Hakes Dance School. Above, students practice their moves.

Beware, potential ballroom dancers: once Tony Thomke starts to talk about dancing, there’s no turning back.

“People have told me that I should write ‘Chicken Soup for the Dancer’s Soul,’ with all the positive stories I receive about dancing and how my classes affect people,” he said.

Throughout 25 years of ballroom dancing, 12 of which have been in Williamsport, he certainly has had the opportunity to hear such stories.

He began teaching independently eight years ago, and since then has taught more than 2,500 people spanning across Lycoming, Tioga and Clinton counties, and soon will start teaching in Northumberland County this summer if his plans are successful.

Thomke’s classes usually run for nine months, as opposed to many programs that only run for six weeks. Students learn a wide variety of dancing styles, including, but not limited to, the foxtrot, waltz, swing, rumba, cha cha, tango and salsa.