Step to It!
Sheila Honey and Brian Hand (photo by Vivian Herman)
Judy Saks
The Texas 2-step is a popular dance that has its roots in the country and western music scene. Characterized by its quick-quick-slow rhythm, the dance involves partners moving in a smooth, gliding motion around the dance floor. It’s related to the polka, the Texas waltz, and the jitterbug. Why not join your fellow SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) members in October and learn beginner Texas 2-step with experienced teachers Brian Hand and Sheila Honey. Brian is the former president of SBDC, and Sheila is our current website manager. Classes begin Tuesday, Oct. 1, and are held every Sunday at 3 p.m. and Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the MountainView ballroom. For information about how to register, please visit sbballroomdance.com.
Novice Classes
Never danced, or have not danced for quite some time? Our Novice classes would be perfect for you. Our resident professionals Dale and Ann Pizzitola will take it slow and easy and have you up on the dance floor in no time. Classes are free, and you do not need to be a member of SBDC. Classes begin at 4:30 p.m. and are held in the Mariposa Room at DesertView. The first October class is Wednesday, Oct. 2, and will focus on tango and swing. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, waltz and rumba will be taught. There will also be a Novice Practice Party on Wednesday, Oct. 23, allowing you to review and practice the patterns you just learned. The party runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Mariposa Room at DesertView.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice makes perfect, and SBDC offers many opportunities for you to do just that. Dance down to the Vermilion Room at SaddleBrooke One on Mondays and Fridays for practice between 4 and 6 p.m. Check our website sbballroomdance.com for up-to-date information.
Special Guest DJ!
He’s back! Who? Chuck Moses. Chuck returns to serve as guest DJ for our regular monthly Dance Party in October. The dance is set for Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the MountainView ballroom. We always have a fun time when Chuck is here to sing and spin great tunes for our listening and dancing pleasure.
For all the most up-to-date information on all that our club has happening, please visit our website sbballroomdance.com. The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club is where the learning continues and the fun never ends. Hope to see you on the dance floor soon!
It’s Not Dating … It’s Just Dancing
Vivian Herman and Wanda Ross (photo by Roger Shamburg)
Tom Marshall
The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club has well over 200 members. Most of them are couples, but there are also several single members who love to dance.
Vivian Herman began dancing in junior high school on Long Island, N.Y., where she and her girlfriends danced in a neighbor’s garage. “Boys knew how to dance back then, and we did swing dancing and the Lindy Hop.” By the time Vivian reached adulthood, she and her friends frequented the famous Cat Club near Union Square in New York City. “Every Sunday the World Financial Center held tea dances, and I even danced the east coast swing with Robert Duvall, the well-known actor.”
Vivian moved to SaddleBrooke in 2001 and became involved with the SilverBelles, an all-female performance dance group. In the meantime, Vivian enjoyed ballroom dancing on cruise ships. On a Holland America Line cruise, she entered a “Dancing with the Stars at Sea” competition and won with her energetic cha cha. On another cruise, Vivian teamed up with the cruise director, and they performed their interpretation of the song from the movie Dirty Dancing, including the part where the woman runs across the stage and jumps into the man’s arms, which he holds above his head! Vivian rounds out her dancing enthusiasm by playing Mah Jongg twice a week. She also reconditions and refinishes old furniture she picks up at garage sales.
“Obviously, it would be nice if there were more single men in our club, because then I would have more opportunity to practice the steps we learn in our classes, and it would be easier to reinforce what we learn.”
Wanda Ross grew up in a Philadelphia suburb when American Bandstand was at its peak of popularity. Local high school students were invited to dance for the filming, but Wanda’s mother would not allow it. “I danced the jitterbug like everyone else in high school.” Later, while working in California, Wanda took west coast swing and country western classes, so when she arrived in SaddleBrooke in 2016, she immediately joined the Ballroom Dance Club and the Western Partners Club. “I love dancing so much, I even danced with a sling on my arm four days after shoulder replacement surgery. Of course, my partner was a very experienced, competent dancer.”
As a single woman, Wanda shared that it’s nice to have husbands who are willing to dance with other women besides their wives, and she’s appreciative of the spouses who are agreeable to this arrangement.
Wanda is an avid traveler and has been to 134 UN countries. When in SaddleBrooke, she enjoys hiking, biking, and playing golf. Wanda takes ski vacations where she’s often able to go to dance parties at night.