Your Neighbor: Steve Seto

Neighborhood: Summerfield
Neighbor since: 2010

Steve Seto, a man who makes his living by selling barbecue propane tanks made of composite material across North America, could always sell himself as a dancer.

A son of “typical immigrant” parents — his father cooked Chinese food while his mother sewed at home — Seto was never a wallflower at school dances growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y.

He has rhythm. He also has style, which boosts his dancing credibility.

Seto, 57, attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and was a women’s clothes buyer for Sears, The Limited and Wal-Mart earlier in his career.

Longtime admirers of “Dancing with the Stars,” Seto and his wife, Rose, started the Lakewood Ranch Ballroom Dance Club in September 2010, shortly after moving to Lakewood Ranch from Connecticut.

Every Sunday night at the Premier Dance Studio, the Setos and about 15 other couples dance the cha-cha slide, rumba, tango, merengue and salsa.

Just like in high school, Seto leads his partner, his “more talented wife,” signaling the next move with the position of his frame.

The other male dancers — sports fans turned dancers — do the same. They show off their new skills dancing the cha-cha to Chris Brown.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:
On who is a better dancer — Seto or his wife, Rose:
“Rose is much better. But, we’re not so competitive about it. This has improved our relationship. Dancing adds a whole other dimension for us.”

On why he loves his neighborhood:
“They’re a diverse mix of people. It’s a very active community and, of course, we like the beaches and weather.”