Bristol Palin finishes third

COVINGTON, Ky. - On any given day you can find the large wooden floor at Step-N-Out dance studio in Covington supporting students and their instructors.

Eighty-two-year-old Aurora Lira, MD, dances in Pro/Am competitions with her instructor 13 time Hungarian national champion and world semi-finalist Joszef Parragh.

"I love it. It makes me feel young," said Lira.

Lira watches "Dancing with the Stars" regularly and didn't like Bristol Palin's run to the finals.

"It's unfair. It's unfair because I don't think Bristol dances that well," said Lira.

Votes from the public helped Palin weather the low scores from the judges to continue week after week toward Tuesday's finals.

The show's publicity has generated interest in ballroom dancing, which has been great news for Step-N-Out's owner Doreen Beatrice.

"Before 'Dancing with the Stars' happened, it was the lady (of a couple) calling and asking about lessons. Now most of my information calls come from guys," explained Beatrice.

Beatrice, who has competed nationally and internationally, acknowledged that Palin had improved significantly.

"Everyone loves the fact that someone who is a non-dancer can get that far, but if we're talking about actual dancing and performance, then you can see an obvious difference," said Beatrice.

The increased interest in ballroom dancing has afforded Parragh the chance to influence many students, his wife Beatriz among them.

"What I've learned from dance first of all is acceptance and understanding of myself and others.  Through that I can touch their personality and help them bring out their inner talent," said Parragh.

His wife Beatriz, a strong amateur dancer, enjoys what "Dancing with the Stars" has brought to the world of dance.

"It's an inspiration. When you see other people dancing you really get that vibration inside of you that makes you want to do it as well," said Parragh.

Controversy or not the "Dancing with the Stars" phenomenon has spurred interest in young people, a coveted demographic in any art form looking to maintain its strength.