Mark Albrecht
After the holidays, the SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) says, let’s start the year off right and “Get Up Off the Floor,” as the 1978 chart-topping song “Boogie Oogie Oogie” told us to do. Performed by the band A Taste of Honey, this widely recognized song helped launch the hustle dance style during the Disco era. Although similar to the popular swing dance, the hustle is often considered easier due to its simple 4-count rhythm and easy dance moves. This makes the hustle quick to learn, yet it will make you look really “with-it” on the dance floor.
The waltz is another dance style that is easy to learn, and it is danced to some of the most beautiful music we all know. This 3-count dance style is great for couples dancing because of its smooth, flowing motion that lets you glide around the floor. Think of well-known songs like “Could I Have This Dance,” by Ann Williams, and the standard “Moon River.”
In January Ann and Dale Pizzitola, our professional dance instructors of the SBDC, will be teaching Introduction to Ballroom: Hustle and Waltz. These classes are intended for people new to dance or looking for a refresher and will be held at 5 p.m. in the Rincon Room at MountainView’s Mesquite building (on the right of golf). The Hustle class will be taught on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and the Waltz class will be taught on Wednesday, Jan. 21. In addition, a Review Session will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, also in the Rincon Room at 5 p.m. Classes are free, no prior dance experience is required, and you do not need to be a member of the club to attend. To register, email countmein@sbballroomdance.com with your name and the classes you wish to attend.
Level 2 and Level 3: Also in January, Bertie Litchfield and Barry Sheppard will be teaching Rumba classes. Both Level 2 and Level 3 are offered on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, starting on Jan. 4. These classes are free for club members; however, registration is required, so please sign up online.
So, look for these great opportunities to “put your best foot forward”! The SBDC offers classes by experienced dancers, as well as monthly dances in the MountainView ballroom. Come join us for the fun in 2026!