SBLDC Valentine’s Social (photo by Lynda Fraley)
Lynda Fraley
Admittedly, the image of a winding, rutted, dirt road studded with prickly pear and cholla may not conger visions of romance for most people. Nevertheless, that was the setting when the SaddleBrooke Line Dance Club (SBLDC) took their Valentine’s Line Dance Social to the Cadillac Chaparral Steakhouse on Feb. 23.
The celebration was attended by 58 dancers and dates, many of whom arrived in cowpoke attire. Dancers sported cowgirl boots with floral embroidery, western hats touched off with sequins, blouses with hearts and roses, and short denim skirts or blue jeans. Getting into the spirit, spouses and significant others donned boots, red flannel shirts, and western hats as well.
After squeezing into seating at long, family-style picnic benches, saying hello to friends, and ordering a frosty beer or glass of wine, dancers next took to the dance floor to perform their favorite line dances from the SBLDC repertoire. Dancers stepped to music appropriately themed to the occasion and the place, such as “Chocolate,” “Party Girls,” “Made You Look,” “Can’t Let Go,” and “Old Country Barn.” Standing like sentries just beyond the dance floor were huge, life-size John Wayne and Cole Hauser (Mr. Beth Dutton on Yellowstone) cardboard cutouts who looked like they would join in if only they could.
After washing down a burger or other steakhouse fare with their chosen adult beverages, dancers reclaimed the floor with a partner for a round of dances for couples. Here, the Music and Dance Committees had selected some romantic tunes, such as “Neon Moon” and “Dreaming My Dreams with You,” as well as humorous ironic ditties like “Friends in Low Places” and “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.”
As the stars appeared in Tucson’s dark skies, happy, laughing dancers poured back into their cars, shouting goodbyes as they headed back to SaddleBrooke. All were aware and appreciative of the dedication and creativity of the members of the Social Committee, the Music Committee, and the Dance Committee who had made the special night possible.
If all of this sounds like the kind of fun you should be having, please join us! Membership in SBLDC is just $10 per year! Visit our website at sbldc.weebly.com for details.