Articles of Interest
Articles of Interest » Events » October Club Chatter
October Club Chatter
- Author:
- Faye Henderson
- Date Published:
- November 21, 2010
USA DANCE chapter #1010
Eugene/Springfield
Faye Henderson
" CLUB CHATTER"
Sept. 12th......Another large group of "eager to learn", (Foxtrot), dancers gathered in the ballroom, almost crowding the floor....what a beautiful site!!.....Warmly welcoming, (new to our dance community), Mark Baker, who brings with him experience, qualifications, and superb teaching skills.
Mark got things moving smoothly, efficiently, skillfully and very enjoyable with his "no non-sense" dance instruction. .
Thanks, Mark, a very short notice, being available and willing to "fill in" for Robert Alexander.
By the way, Robert, you are not "off the hook", will be after you later for one of our dance lessons.
Now to the "Foxtrot" lesson: Mark taught a smooth dance, how to travel around the line of dance with long walking movements, similar to Waltz, but with a more moderate rise and fall, more length-wise action, with some turning movements. Mark pointed out this dance is danced in combination of slow and quick steps, with each slow step taking two beats and each quick step one beat of music. Therefore, according to, talented Mark, a dance basic figure in slow slow, quick, quick rhythm takes one and half measures, while a dance figure in slow,quick quick rhythm takes one measure. There is more variety in Foxtrot than in any other dance, and some ways it is the most difficult dance to learn. (I,Faye, totally agree!). What a remarkable lesson, very professional, excellent!
October 10th........How lucky can we get......Mark Baker AGAIN! This time, teaching Cha Cha.....Once again our attendance is "over the top"....we must be doing something right!
Mark taught some "smart/sharp/groovy" patterns for our intermediate class at 5pm.....students very focused, music "just right". I noticed during the social dance time, many students attempting some of those patterns. OOOOO--LA,LA,CHA CHA CHA.!
At 6pm, Mark cooled things off a litle with the basic Cha Cha. Three quick steps (triple step or cha cha cha) and two slower steps on the one beat and two beat. Mark, you got their attention and I believe all students went away with more knowledge, skill and eager to get to the dance floor each time a cha cha is played and "give it a try".........WHAT FUN! A little history. Originally known as the Cha-Cha-Cha. Became popular about 1954. Cha Cha is an offshoot of the Mambo. In the slow Mambo tempo, there was a distinct sound in the music that people began dancing to calling the step the "Triple" Mambo. Eventually it evolved into a separate dance, known today as the Cha Cha.
Mark, with your experience, teaching expertise & professionalism, you will remain on our list of favorite teachers. Expect to be invited back to our chapter in the future. Thank you very much!!!
November 14th.....RUMBA.....Teacher....Wayne Herendeen...Mr. "Cool" from Ballroom Parkrose, Portland.
This is our annual semi/formal event. Ladies you may dress up to "The Hilt", and wear ALL your jewelry. GENTS......You will be handsome, in your vests, button down shirts, ties and shoes shined. WOW! Also for your enjoyment will be punch, and snacks. There is a possibility of a "showcase dance"...Just be there, so there will be no regrets later. The Ballroom may have a bright and charming new look....bound to be very nice with Judy Mustoe in charge of decorations. Be sure and let her know how much you appreciate her efforts and hard work, being the only pay she will receive.
Now to the dance lesson on Sunday, 11/14/10....Rumba, (5pm intermediate level, 6pm beginning level). RUMBA comes from the verb "rumbear" which means going to parties,dancing and having a good time. WHAT A PERFECT COMBINATION.....LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Exactly what we planned.
Rumba dance is the spirit and soul of Latin American music & dance. The fascinating rhythms and bodily expressions make the Rumba one of the most popular ballroom dances. Don't miss Wayne's,"Mr. Cool", introduction of the true "Cuban Rumba", you will go away a better and happier dancer.....GUARANTEED!
Wayne always a "crowd pleaser" with excellent teaching skills.
December 12th....Julie Reid....WALTZ....More about this later, but plan NOT TO MISS THIS ONE. Another one of Eugene's talented, experienced and pleasant teachers.
January 9th, 2011.... Robert Alexander.....teaching.....TBA....
With Robert's permission, I'm happy to let everyone know, his and Karin's baby son & Ava's little brother, Markus, has a promising future for a complete recovery. CHEERS!!!!!!!
Board members, (valuable volunteers), for the coming year:
Pres. Valerie H.
VP. Meng O.
Sec. Wes H.
Treas. Susan M.
Members at large:
Larry M... Webmaster
Faye H. Teacher/lesson coordinator
Linda S.
Wu
Barbara A.
Every second Sunday you will find us at 1626 Willamette St., Veterans Mem. Bldg, second floor, ballroom. Intermediate lesson at 5pm, beginning lesson at 6pm. Social dancing 7pm till 9:30pm. $5 member....$8 non-member.
Newspaper headline: COLD WAVE LINKED TO TEMERATURES!
See you soon, sharing your passion for Ballroom Dance!
Faye
