Pat Knepler
The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club (SBDC) continues its Salute to Spring with more exciting dances and activities in May. The SBDC is a social club where the members have fun socializing as well as learning to dance.
Our Salute to Spring begins with the nightclub 2 (NC2) step taught by Brian Hand and Shelia Honey, two dedicated and talented SBDC members. This dance originated here in America and is done to slow tempo music. Beginner classes will be held Sundays at 3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 5 p.m., and Intermediate classes will be held Sundays at 4 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Classes are held in the MountainView Ballroom and are free for members.
Show off your NC2 steps at our Friday, May 17, dance, to be held in the MountainView Ballroom. An optional dinner is available before the dance. More details to be announced.
Novice Classes and Parties
These classes are aimed at novice dancers—those who have never danced before, have not danced in a long time, or just need a quick refresher on some basic and popular dances. These classes, led by our professional dance teachers Dale and Ann Pizzitola, are free, and you do not have to be a member. They are held from 4 to 5 p.m. On Monday, May 6, the foxtrot and the hustle will be taught. The foxtrot is a smooth and elegant dance. Characterized by flowing walking steps and side steps with long, continuous movements across the dance floor, the foxtrot gained popularity in the early 20th century. The second dance taught will be the hustle, which is a disco dance. Who doesn’t remember John Travolta dancing the hustle? It’s a partner dance with energetic movements, including spins, turns, and dynamic footwork.
The second Novice class is Monday, May 27, and the dances introduced will be tango and merengue. The tango is a passionate and dramatic partner dance. It originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. There are two types of tango—the Argentine and the American. The American tango will be taught, because it is fun without being as complicated as the Argentine tango. The merengue will also be taught that night. It’s a lively and rhythmic dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. Its simple footwork and hip movements make it a perfect dance for those new to ballroom dancing.
The May Novice Party is on Friday, May 24, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. All the dances you learned in the Novice class earlier in the month are featured at the Dance Party. This is your chance to practice them and get assistance with any steps that you are struggling with or are just unsure about. Both Novice classes and the Novice Party are in the Vermillion Room in the SaddleBrooke One Clubhouse.
Check us out online at sbballroomdance.com or send an email to [email protected]. Remember, “The SaddleBrooke Ballroom Dance Club is where the learning continues and the fun never ends!”