News and Photos
News and Photos » Articles » June - July 2010 Second Sunday Article
June - July 2010 Second Sunday Article
- Author:
- Faye Henderson
- Date Published:
- July 20, 2010
USA DANCE
Chapter #1010
Eugene/Springfield
Faye Henderson
Lots and lots of dancing, family, friends and other social events causing me to get behind with my "Club Chatter". So, once again, you are "burdened" with "two for one"......sounds like a sale at Macy's or JC Penney's, doesn't it?
JUNE.......Pleasant and talented, Bonnie Prater, all the way from Newport, gave us a terrific Tango lesson.
She simplified this social dance to put everyone at ease and at the same time eager to go out on the dance floor soon as our DJ put on a Tango .
Bonnie's American style brought out sharp technique and easy patterns, showing and demonstrating staccato and the characteristic "head snaps".
What a happy time for about 35-40 dancers taking advantage of this great learning experience!
The Tango, as Bonnie so clearly demoed, is danced in a very close full upper body contact in a wide and strong frame, featuring smooth horizontal movements that are very strong and determined. Dancers are very low, allowing long steps without any up and down movement and many other great patterns for your practicing pleasure.
Bonnie, you are welcomed back to our chapter for repeat performance in the future.....you will remain on our list of favorites!!!
Good to see Andrew and others from Newport, gracing our dance floor.....looking good! Please visit us again.
JULY.......Beginning American Style Waltz, with Laura Sue H. teaching and demonstrating, as always, informative and technical patterns and styles. What a pleasure to have her here in Eugene and willing to be available (with her busy and hectic schedule) for our USA dance lesson.
Laura, clearly and pleasantly taught us Waltz as a smooth progressive dance, characterized by long, flowing movements, continuous turns, with rise and fall. Graceful and elegant, she showed how dancers can glide around the floor almost effortlessly.
The American style is punctuated with lavish open movements, underarm turns, and solo spins. The music itself (3/4 time) often invites very powerful and dynamic movement from dancers.
HISTORY: When first introduced into the English ballrooms in the early 1800's , the Waltz was denounced by both church and state for its vulgarity and immorality....this was, after all, the first time society had seen this outrageous dance positin, with the man holding the lady so close to his body. But the very thing that brought it such criticism also made it appealing.....AND THE WALTZ WAS HERE TO STAY! And Faye is so happy........My favorite.....Such a theatrical flavor!
COMING ATTRACTIONS
AUGUST 8th...Laura Taylor, (lovely and charming wife of Robert Phaigh), teaching Hustle at 6pm, beginning level. Do you recall her Hustle lesson last December?....I'm sure Laura will do a repeat performance or even better, don't know how she could improve, but you are in for a "real treat". Laura gives this dance a level of excitement you will enjoy and learn from. Laura knows how to put the "hot" in Hustle, a very aerobic dance. I will be there ready for the first count, shoes tied/buckled on real tight, no time for adjustment when Laura's teaching Hustle.
SEPTEMBER 12th........Chrystee Hauser teaching beginning Cha Cha......Chrystee is a local, well trained, skilled teacher and does a terrific job with Rhythm dances.....I know you will not go away disappointed after a lesson with Chrystee, she is pleasant and fun as well. Come out and support another one our local teachers. Lesson begins at 6pm.
OCTOBER 10th........Our intermediate lessons kick in at 5pm this month.....Robert Alexander has agreed to teach Intermediate Foxtrot at 5pm and Beginning Foxtrot at 6pm.. Robert is another one of our local teachers, always willing to jump in and teach a ballroom dance lesson.
NOVEMBER 14th........Wayne Herendeen, Portland, will teach intermediate Rumba at 5pm and beginning Rumba at 6pm. Wayne has taught for our chapter several times, and is always a crowd pleaser with his pleasant humor, sharp teaching skills, experience and the ability to keep a large group organized and focused. This, I believe, is the month we have a Semi/formal.....another bonus this evening will be a "Showcase" with Valerie and Wayne. Snacks and beverages as well! Get ready for a "real party".....Ladies another opportunity to wear that special "gown" or go shopping......OK, gents, time to "clean up real good"......Button down shirts, vests, ties, WOW......you are always so handsome!!!! OH MY GOODNESS......I have nothng to wear!....am FORCED to go shoppng.
All the above and more every second Sunday at Veterans Memorial Building 1626 Willamette Street.
Social dancing kicks in at 7pm, immediately after the lesson.......Waltz mixer is very popular, with the best in music selections by our talented DJs....Thanks to Wu, Sandra and Robert Phaigh....Without you, there would be NO DANCE.
$5member, $8 non-member.....Bottled water available, small fee. A/C......a "cool environment", more ways than one!
Best wishes to Linda and Sandra as they journey to Germany for competition very soon, and thanks for your performances at our last dance.....You looked very good and well prepared.....Have fun.
Another newspaper headline: TWO SOVIET SHIPS COLLIDE, ONE DIES
Till next time.......Try dancing
Faye
