Lynda Fraley
If you, like me, are a perpetual Novice, Novice+, or Level 1 line dancer, you might be surprised, and even a little awed, to learn that there are two additional levels of dance instruction available in the SaddleBrooke Line Dance Club (SBLDC): Levels 2 and 3.
The Level 3 dance classes meet Fridays from 8:30 to 10:10 a.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Vermillion Room. There, dancers perform a program of approximately 18 dances. Then, at 10:15 a.m., the Level 3 Workshop begins and runs until 11 a.m. The Level 3 Workshop drills down intensively on a smaller number of new or problematic dances. Level 3 dances are more complex, have more tags and restarts, and are often danced to alternate music. According to the SBLDC website, there is typically an 8-count walkthrough for familiar dances and a slightly longer walkthrough for more challenging dances. In addition, Level 3 typically has numerous new dances introduced each month.
When queried about what she enjoys about Level 3, Linda Weiss, a Level 3 dancer for approximately 10 years, replied, “The dances are more challenging, which leads to greater satisfaction.” In addition, Weiss added, “Because there are no complete walkthroughs, the dancing is more continuous.” Jeanne Fernandez, a Level 3 dancer for about 15 years, added, “The more you dance, the more you learn, the more fun it is!”
Terry Gage is the sponsor for Level 3. Gage has been dancing with the club for 14 years and has been the Level 3 sponsor for one year. She came to SaddleBrooke from Chicago. Terry has held numerous positions over the years. Notably, while living in London 30 years ago, she worked for Scotland Yard. Describing what she likes about Level 3 leadership, Gage replied, “I like the challenge and the way that it pushes the dancers.” Some of her other Dance Club responsibilities include Dance Committee and Music Committee. Gage’s students appreciate the energy and thoroughness she brings to the dance floor. In addition to Gage, other program leads include Dorothy Wood, Claudia Riggs, and Shirley Miller.
Whatever your “level” of dance experience, there will be a place for you in the SaddleBrooke Line Dance Club. Club dues are just $10 per year. Please visit our website sbldc.weebly.com for more information.