Movin’ to the beat (photo by Daniel LaCroix)
Mark Albrecht
If you remember swing dancing to early rock & roll, then the electric rock that followed may have seemed like less serious dance material. Dancing had become just shakin’ and boppin’ in place. It wasn’t until the mid-‘70s that a hot, new genre of music called disco got us all dancing again with exciting new moves and fancy footwork.
Remember the iconic song by Van McCoy whose driving flute melody and only lyric told the audience to “Do the Hustle”? His 1975 hit “The Hustle” rocketed disco to dance club stardom. In 1977 John Travolta’s snazzy dance moves in Saturday Night Fever catapulted the hustle into mainstream culture, cementing its place in ballroom dancing, still enjoyed after 50 years.
Meet the Instructors
The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) is honored to have as co-chairs of dance instruction Dale and Ann Pizzitola who were drawn to dancing by the disco craze but branched out into other ballroom dances to expand their expertise and fun. Forming a partnership in the early ‘80s, they turned professional, won several international dance competitions, and ultimately fell in love and got married. They provide simple yet expert instruction to help everyone experience the joy of dancing like they have.
In July, Dale and Ann will teach the hustle so members can enjoy this simple but stylistic dance to exciting disco music. Classes will be held in the MountainView ballroom at SaddleBrooke TWO with Beginning level classes from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sundays and 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Intermediate level classes are from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sundays and 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Registration is required for all classes by signing up online. Classes are free for members, with non-members allowed to attend one free class to be sure it’s a fit before joining.
Novice Program
If you’re new to dancing, Dale and Ann’s Novice Program provides the basics of several dance styles to get you dancing with ease. Classes are held on the first and second Wednesdays of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Mariposa Room at DesertView, with a review session on the fourth Wednesday of the month. In July, the focus will be on east coast swing and waltz. Register by emailing countmein@sbballroomdance.com with your name and the classes you want to attend. No prior dance experience is required, and there is no need to be a member of the club to attend.
Friday Practice Sessions
These sessions are held each week from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Vermillion Room of SaddleBrooke One. Volunteer DJs provide music for open practice of any dance and focus on the class of the month so attendees can practice what they are learning.
Uncle Sam Wants You!
No, not to join the military, but to attend our July dinner dance! The theme is “Salute to Uncle Sam.” The event will be held on Friday, July 18, in the MountainView ballroom. Register on the club website at sbballroomdance.com.
Want to Become a Member?
You can join the club by signing up at sbballroomdance.com to enjoy all SBDC activities, where the learning continues and the fun never ends.