Dancing the night away (photo by Sheila Honey)
Tom Marshall
The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) is offering four exciting dance lessons in October and two more in November, all taught by our resident professional dancers Dale and Ann Pizzitola.
On Oct. 16, we begin with the Tango, a passionate dance that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by the Cha Cha, a lively and energetic partner dance with roots in Cuba.
On Oct. 30 we slow it down with the Waltz, a graceful and timeless dance originating in 18th-century Europe. The dance’s three-beat rhythm and smooth turns allow couples to glide across the dance floor. Then we pick up the pace with the Swing, a lively and exuberant dance style that dates from the 1930s and 1940s and is still wildly popular today. This dance, with its infectious rhythm, is vibrant and joyful.
On Nov. 20 the Foxtrot conjures up visions of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers swaying to a Cole Porter melody on a moonlit ocean liner deck. This classy ballroom staple will be followed by the Rumba. Originally, the term “rhumba” was associated with “party,” especially in places like Havana, Cuba, where it began. Later in the U.S., its African and Cuban rhythms became popular with Big Band music, and in the 1930s it caught on in American film musicals. Today Rumba is considered one of the standard ballroom dances.
This novice class will be held in the Vermillion Room (SaddleBrooke One clubhouse) at 4 p.m., and “open practice” sessions afterward will be offered for those who want them.
Those SBDC members who want to continue their dance education in November can sign up for classes in the Rumba, taught by Roger and Linda Shamburg. Beginner- and intermediate-level classes will be held in the MountainView Ballroom (SaddleBrooke TWO clubhouse) on Sundays at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. More classes are offered on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. (beginners) and 6:30 p.m. (intermediates).
As seasoned instructors, Roger and Linda will tell you their most successful teaching technique is “repetition, repetition, and more repetition.” Eight to 10 individual steps will be taught to beginners, and five more advanced steps will be taught to intermediate-level students. Both levels will be taught the correct knee movement that brings about the desired hip action often seen in professional rumba competitions.
There will be plenty of additional time for both novices and experienced dancers to practice what they’ve learned at “open practice” sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 4 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom. And you can show off your hard work at our dinner dance on Friday, Nov. 17, in the SaddleBrooke TWO Ballroom with DJ Bob Osborne playing for your dancing pleasure. For more detailed information about SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club, check out our website www.sbballroomdance.com.
Join us at the SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club, where the learning continues and the fun never ends.