Movin’ to the music
Introduction to Ballroom: Rumba and Tango
Judy Saks
The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) is pleased to continue our Introduction to Ballroom classes. These classes are specifically designed for those who have never danced ballroom or those looking for a refresher on the basics of ballroom dance.
Dances to be featured in December are rumba and tango. Rumba is characterized by its sensual and romantic feel and is often referred to as the “Dance of Love.” However, it is one of the most versatile dances, compatible with slower rock, jazz, and Latin tunes. Rumba originated in Cuba in the 1920s, became popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, and has continued as a favorite to this day. (Fun fact: Originally, “rumba” was used as a synonym for “party” in Northern Cuba!)
American tango is a stylized, dramatic version of the Argentine tango, adapted for American ballroom. This adaptation features some steps borrowed from salsas and rumbas and is known for its passionate character, featuring staccato movements and a close connection between partners. Popularized by films, it emphasizes performance and dramatic flair with a medium tempo. (Just for fun, check out the tango dance scene in the movie Scent of a Woman.) Our resident professional instructors Ann and Dale Pizzitola teach dance steps with a method that is easy to learn. They are extremely patient and know how to encourage progress. You are sure to come away with a good foundation for your continued ballroom dancing journey!
Classes are held on the first and second Wednesdays of the month, starting on Dec. 3. There will also be a Review Session on Dec. 17 to practice what you have learned. For the month of December, the classes and Review Session will be held 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.
December Review Classes (Level 2 and Level 3)
Each week in December, one of three different dances will be “reviewed.” This will give club members an opportunity to “brush up” on dances they have already learned. These classes begin on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Tuesday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 7: Nightclub 2-Step with Brian Hand and Sheila Honey
Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 14: Cha Cha with Dave Poferl and Judy Saks
Tuesday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 21: Hustle with Dale and Ann Pizzitola
Classes are free for members, but registration is required, so please sign up online.
Please check out our website sbballroomdance.com to see all upcoming classes and events. No matter what “level” of dancer you are, there is a place for you in the SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club. Remember, SBDC is where the learning continues and the fun never ends!
Jeff and Eileen Zelmanow
Dancers in the Spotlight: The Zelmanows
Tom Marshall
Eileen and Jeffrey Zelmanow left New York in 1976 for Colorado and never looked back. They settled in Colorado Springs where they soon found other couples who enjoyed disco dancing, which then was the latest craze across America. They even performed a disco number to the song “MacArthur Park” at the NCO club on Peterson Air Force Base. After moving to Denver, their sons joined Eileen in dancing with a local Israeli folk group.
Eileen began her love of dance at an early age with ballet, tap, and jazz dance lessons, her parents being volunteer dance instructors at the local synagogue in Brooklyn. While growing up in the same neighborhood as Eileen, Jeffrey quickly learned the dance steps and words to the latest songs that Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Rat Pack turned out.
Upon retiring (Jeff was a government attorney specializing in civil rights causes, and Eileen was a special education professional who focused on helping alternative learning children and adults reach their goals) and moving to SaddleBrooke, they found the Novice classes at the SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club to be engaging. “Learning the basic routines was a challenge for me initially,” Jeffrey explains. When asked why they joined the club, Eileen says, “It’s good for the body and the brain, and I enjoy all the different styles of dance—ballroom, Latin, and country western—being taught.”
Both Eileen and Jeffrey express their love of dance simultaneously, “We enjoy doing things together, and dancing is a perfect opportunity to do so.” When not dancing, Jeffrey designs and creates elaborate, leaded, stained glass panels. His art is currently on exhibit at Absolutely Art on Oracle Road in Catalina. Eileen designs and creates unique pieces of pottery in her spare time. Eileen raised Old English Sheepdogs and won a first award of Merit in Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show in 2008. Now they have two standard Golden Doodles named Zach and Sadie to keep them busy.