One of Canada’s best and most active trombonists, Claude Blouin, dedicated his life to music. He participated in every major musical enterprise in Canada throughout his lifetime, while playing with touring greats like Nat King Cole, Jack Benny, Harry Belafonte, Tom Jones, Shirley McLaine, Liberace, and Julio Iglecsias, to name a few. With his strong passion for Ballroom Dance, Blouin, 75, decided to speak with DanceScape to share some of his life experiences before taking the big step towards retirement.

What led to your interests in Ballroom Dancing?
The music, the ladies are beautiful and they present themselves beautifully. I also envy the men that can dance so well and in control.

Have you ever taken any dance lessons?
I took dancing lessons before I started producing albums of Ballroom music so I could really learn about the tempos. I also like percussion a lot, but you really have to know what kind of rhythm to use for cha-cha, fox-trot, mambo, tango, rumba, samba, meringue etc… all the dances.

Do you enjoy dancing?
I do not dance often and I am a beginner, but I like the rumba, fox-trot, samba, meringue, and slow jive. I would like to learn to dance the mambo and am great at dancing to a slow ballad.

Have you ever taken any dance lessons?
I took dancing lessons before I started producing albums of Ballroom music so I could really learn about the tempos. I also like percussion a lot, but you really have to know what kind of rhythm to use for cha-cha, fox-trot, mambo, tango, rumba, s

amba, meringue etc…all the dances.

Do you enjoy dancing?
I do not dance often and I am a beginner, but I like the rumba, fox-trot, samba, meringue, and slow jive. I would like to learn to dance the mambo and am great at dancing to a slow ballad.

Claude BlouinWhat are some of your other hobbies aside from music and dance?
Swimming, walking and playing pool. I play a little bit of tennis and I like to watch great players, like Pete Sampras. Also, I dig the beaches of Florida and I enjoy documentary of all kinds, like Mega Construction, Bridges, and Buildings.

Do you have any embarrassing moments or funny experiences to share with us?
In my early days, I was involved in producing Ballroom music at a competition in Montreal. In attendance was Mr. John Ponds from England, who had been buying records from me, and was a fan of my music.

I was unaware that there was a special presentation planned for me. Just before the “surprise” announcement, instead of staying seated in my chair, I was standing beside Mr. Ponds who started to tell me about the award. I felt so awkward, out of place and yes, embarrassed! I was not supposed to know about the award!

It was, of course an honour to receive the award by Mr. Ponds and the event organizers.