Bertie Litchfield and Barry Sheppard, teachers of SBDC merengue classes (photo by Wanda Ross)
Dinner and dancing is a kind of ultimate fantasy date, but too often we skip the second part. Things have been looking up, thanks to Dancing with the Stars. Seeing macho football players, average Joes like Jerry Springer, and billionaires adeptly moving around the floor can make men feel liberated to give ballroom dancing a try. The end result can be a heightened sense of electricity between couples.
“As far as therapy for couples, it’s a great thing to do,” says professional ballroom dance champion Elena Grinenko. “Dance teaches us a lot about our relationship. Dancing requires good etiquette and communication, and body language is unbeatable.”
Former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Tony Dovolani says, “It’s almost like you have a newfound love for each other. Discovering new steps together teaches couples to interact with each other. They’re looking into each other’s eyes, anticipating the next move. It opens up energy channels of feeling and connection. It rejuvenates everything.”
How can you add dance to your relationship?
SaddleBrooke residents are in luck! SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club offers dance lessons with different levels and dance styles free for our members. But don’t worry—you can come and try one for free to see if it is a fit. As December is one of those full-schedule months, we are offering two styles in which you can participate, and if you have to miss a lesson due to a holiday party, you will still be okay. We’re teaching merengue and the four-count hustle.
What type of dance is merengue?
The merengue was first introduced to the United States in New York in the 1930s. It wasn’t until several years later that the dance became well known to North American audiences. Today, merengue is a very popular dance throughout the world. It’s most known for its lively music and fun dance moves. Bertie Litchfield and Barry Sheppard will be the instructors from 6 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in December. See registration information below.
John Travolta four-count hustle?
One evening, Van McCoy (circa 1940–1979) visited Adam’s Apple, a New York City disco, where he saw the dance being performed. McCoy was inspired to compose “The Hustle,” one of the era’s disco anthems. The hustle peaked in popularity, in particular, following the release of the film Saturday Night Fever. Ann and Dale Pizzitola, professional dance instructors, will be teaching the hustle. Ann told me, “The hustle is what got Dale out on the dance floor.”
How do I sign up?
SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) members will receive registration information by email. If you are not an SBDC member, please go to www.sbballroomdance.com and log in as a visitor. Once logged in, you can register for the classes. You will receive an email confirming your registration. Check out our website www.sbballroomdance.com for our dances and class schedules and our many events that promote social ballroom dancing.
SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club is where the learning continues and the fun never ends.