Mark Albrecht
If you haven’t noticed, the SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) offers an opportunity to dance almost every day of the week! But that’s not to monopolize your calendar. It’s to offer a wide variety of classes and practice sessions so you can choose what you want to learn. While most people focus on selecting which class they want to attend, they may forget that it takes practice to remember new dance steps. Dancing is a physical memory, not a cognitive one, so your body needs to practice the new moves a number of times before you can do it without thinking. And there’s no time on the dance floor to think, “What was that foxtrot pattern the teacher showed me last week?”
So, yes, “practice makes perfect.” Not that the goal of dancing is to be perfect. It’s not. To most of us, it’s about having fun, socializing with others, trying different dance partners, and keeping our aging bodies well-oiled. And, of course, science shows that dancing is one of the best things you can do to keep your mind healthy. So, expanding your repertoire of dance moves will help you stay happy and healthy.
SBDC Practice Sessions
Since the SBDC offers so many classes throughout the year, it’s easy to get caught up in taking one right after the other. What you often find out is that you quickly forget the earlier classes you took and have to take them again. Ugh! So, this is your reminder of all the opportunities to practice what you’re learning rather than “classing out” in exhaustion.
Mondays have Open Practice from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Vermillion Room of SaddleBrooke One.
The third and fifth Wednesdays have Open Practice from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Mariposa Room at DesertView when there is not a Novice class or Review scheduled (see the calendar).
Fridays have Open Practice from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Vermillion Room of SaddleBrooke One.
Volunteer DJs provide music for most Open Practice sessions, bringing music for all dance styles. Plus, they will focus on music for the class of the month so attendees can practice what they are learning. Sometimes you will need to bring your own music, so check the club’s calendar to see if a DJ is attending.
New: Argentine Tango Practica. Based on a popular request from attendees of the recent Argentine Tango classes taught by Mark and Peggy Albrecht, a new monthly Tango Practica will be held on the first Friday of each month during the second hour of the Friday practice from 5 to 6 p.m. Music and dance guidance will be provided to help you continue your tango experience with this romantic dance.
Remember, it’s the practice that will help you internalize the new dance styles and really begin having fun. So, maybe we should change that old saying to “Practice Makes Progress.”
Please visit our website at sbballroomdance.com.