Dave Poferl and Judy Saks
One, Two … Cha Cha Cha!
Judy Saks
October is cha cha time! The cha cha (or cha cha cha) is a lively and fun dance that really gets you moving. The dance is of Cuban origin and was introduced by a Cuban composer in the early 1950s. Like the rumba and mambo, cha cha takes the slower steps of both and adds a quicker triple step. The name of the dance is said to be derived from the shuffling sound of the dancers’ feet as they perform that triple step. Cha cha has become a must learn for beginning dance students and is popular due to its simplicity and energy.
Your instructors are Dave Poferl and Judy Saks. Dave is an experienced ballroom instructor who has been teaching since 2015. This is the second time that Judy has been paired with Dave to teach the cha cha. She has been ballroom dancing for four years and has been an avid line dancer since 2008. The cha cha is a favorite dance for both Dave and Judy, and they are eager to share their love of this dance with you!
Beginner level classes are held on Sundays in the MountainView ballroom from 3 to 4 p.m. and again on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Intermediate level class is held on Sundays from 4 to 5 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m., also in the MountainView ballroom. The first class for both beginner and intermediate starts on Sunday, Oct. 5. Registration is required, so please sign up online.
October Novice Class
If you are new to dancing or have not danced in a while, check out our Novice classes. Taught by our resident professionals Dale and Ann Pizzitola, these classes are free, and you do not need to be a member of the SaddleBrooke Dance Club. Classes are held on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in the Mariposa Room at DesertView. The first class is Wednesday, Oct. 1, and will focus on merengue. On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the class will focus on waltz. There will also be a review session to practice what you have learned on Wednesday, Oct. 22, also in the Mariposa Room at 4 p.m. Please register on our website sbballroomdance.com with your name and the classes you wish to attend, or email us at countmein@sbballroomdance.com.
Frightful Fun!
Be sure to mark the date Thursday, Oct. 16, on your calendar. The SaddleBrooke Dance Club will be having some scary-good fun at our “Fright Night” Halloween-themed dinner-dance. And to add to the fun, Chuck Moses returns as our “devilish” guest DJ. We always have a great time when Chuck is there. He will be spinning a web of “terrifying” tunes for your dancing and listening pleasure. Costumes are not required but are certainly encouraged!
Please check out our website sbballroomdance.com to see all our classes, activities, and events. The SaddleBrooke Dance Club is where the learning continues and the fun never ends!
All American Dance Party
Judy Saks
On the 4th of July each year we like to celebrate our country in various ways. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t still celebrate any other day in July. On July 18 the SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) had its Red, White, and Blue dinner-dance. Of course, folks were encouraged to wear our flag’s colors. During dinner, dancers enjoyed listening to “In the Mood,” by the Glen Miller Band, a very popular song during World War II. We also heard “American Pie,” by Don McLean; “America,” by Simon and Garfunkel; and “Only in America,” by the country duo Brooks & Dunn. And just what were we eating? What else but a yummy cheeseburger.
After dinner, it was time to get up on the dance floor. Our dances covered the United States from one side to the other. We did east coast swing to “That’ll Be the Day,” by Buddy Holly, and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” by Alan Jackson. There was some west coast swing to “She’s Got the Rhythm,” by Alan Jackson, and “The Thrill Is Gone,” by BB King. Dancers enjoyed doing the foxtrot to “I’m Beginning to See the Light” and “Cheek to Cheek.” The foxtrot originated in the United States and was named after Harry Fox, a vaudeville entertainer who developed the style. The slow and smooth nightclub two-step was done to “Always Remember Us This Way,” by Lady Gaga, and “The Long Goodbye,” by Brooks & Dunn. This dance was also developed by an American, the west coast swing dancer Buddy Schwimmer. Coming out of the disco craze of the 1970s was “The Hustle.” Two great songs for this dance were “Dancing Queen,” by ABBA, and “Night Fever,” by the Bee Gees.
Each month the SBDC gives Novice, Beginner, and Intermediate ballroom dance classes. But we don’t just teach. We have lots of fun events like the Red, White, and Blue dinner-dance. Our monthly parties are a great way to have a meal, socialize, and get up on the floor and dance, dance, dance! Be sure to check our website at sbballroomdance.com or the Saddlebag Notes and SaddleBrooke Progress to see what’s in store in the coming months. Parties we have planned are a Sock Hop in September, a Fright Night in October, and our annual Holiday Party in December.
The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club is where the learning continues and the fun never ends!