Austin Dance Floors

Dancing on Sunday, June 28

2009-06-28T05:49:00.002-05:00

The Nash Hernandez Orchestra will be playing Big Band Latin Swing from 2pm to 6pm at the Onion Creek Ballroom in South Austin, just east of I-35 off Slaughter Lane. (Google map) Call 554-4782 for information.

Dance to Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies June 20th

2009-06-18T12:28:00.001-05:00

This monthly dance is at a cool venue in East Austin. Come dance to one of Austin's best swing dance bands.

Price - $7 for Austin Swing Syndicate members and $10 for everyone else.

At Space 12 (3121 East 12th, 2 blocks west of Airport, Google Map Link).

West Coast Swing Dance @ Elks Lodge

2009-05-24T21:32:00.002-05:00

Open to all dance lovers, a night of West Coast Swing dance will light up the evening at the Elks Lodge on Sat. May 30, 2009.

From 7-7:30pm, there will be a $5 class called "Hot Move of the Night" taught by renowned Austin teachers Angel and Debbie Figueroa.

The dance social continues from 7:30 - midnight! Admission is $10.

ELKS LODGE - 800 Dawson, Austin, TX 78704 (Google Map)

You're invited. Brought to you by Angel and Debbie Figueroa: www.angelanddebbie.com

Dance to the Nash Hernandez Orchestra at Donn's Depot

2009-05-10T07:49:00.003-05:00

On Saturday May 16th you can listen and dance to the tunes of the Big Band Era, the 50's and 60's played live by the Nash Hernandez Orchestra at Donn's Depot starting at 9pm.

About Donn's Depot (from their web site):

Featuring live music six nights a week Donn's Depot is the venue of some of Austin's most talented musicians. With friendly waitstaff, a full service bar, moderate prices, two dance floors, and a just-for-fun blackjack table, Donn's Depot is a haven of culture and diversity. On any given night you will find an eclectic crowd ranging from students to retirees. Donn's depot bridges the generation gap with its diverse range of musicians and musical genres, ranging from swing, country, and modern folk/pop.

Donn's Depot
1600 W. 5th Street, Austin, TX 78703 (Google map link)

Swing dance with live music at Uptown Dance

2009-05-10T07:31:00.002-05:00

Live Music with "Rhythm Congress" at Uptown Dance Studio North · May 15th ·
"Rhythm Congress" will be playing from 7:00pm 10:00pm

Google map link

Join Uptown Dance and friends for their monthly night of live WC Swing, EC Swing, JBug Swing music with Rhythm Congress band. DJ'd music played during breaks. Cover is only $7.00pp. Feel Free to BYOB.

Free open house dance lessons at Rhythmic Motion Studio

2009-04-26T08:18:00.002-05:00

On Thursday April 30th, from 7-10 pm, Rhythmic Motion Studio http://www.rhythmicmotion.com/ offers free introductory lessons. Two Step at 7pm, Swing at 7:45, Waltz at 8:30, and Cha Cha at 9:15. Refreshments will be served.

Google map to the studio.

Day of free social dance lessons at Go Dance Studio

2009-04-26T08:06:00.002-05:00

FREE Go Dance OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, May 2nd 2:00p - 5:00p

Free Beg & Int classes in Two Step, Swing & Salsa. Everyone welcome!

Go Dance specializes in partner dancing and teaches a wide variety of genres including Swing Dancing, Salsa Dancing, Country Western Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Argentine Tango Dancing and all styles of wedding dances.

Google Map to the studio.
For more information, visit Go Dance.

Dance All Day for $19pp! at Uptown Dance's Studio North

2009-04-20T09:09:00.004-05:00

When: April 25th from 10:00am 6:00pm

8 hours of ballroom classes!

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Swing 1, Swing 2 - 10:00am
Foxtrot 1, Foxtrot 2 - 11:00am
Samba 1, Zumba* fitness - 12:00pm
Rumba 1, Rumba 2 - 1:00pm
Tango 1, Tango 2 - 2:00pm
Waltz 1, Waltz 2 - 3:00pm
Cha Cha 1, Cha Cha 2 - 4:00pm
QuickStep 1, QuickStep 2 - 5:00pm

*Zumba fitness is an exercise class - be prepared in exercise apparel.

Uptown North is located at 8868 Research Blvd. #706 on Hwy 183 two blocks south of Burnet Rd. Google map link.

Dancing in Austin this Week, April 23-25

2009-04-19T11:52:00.002-05:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

The week ahead looks very promising for great Dancing in Austin, including a number of special events highlighted here.

Thursday, April 23

Hustle dancers are sure to enjoy a Hustle workshop and dance in the sideroom at The Fed this Thursday night from 8 to 11pm, hosted by the Austin Swing Syndicate.

Friday-Sunday, April 24-26

Albuquerque hosts the 10th Annual Because You Can dance workshop benefit weekend to overcome Multiple Sclerosis. This fun event includes dozens of beginning to advanced workshops by top dance professionals like Toby & Harmony Munroe, Michael & Dawne Kiehm, and Damon & Lisa D’Amico, plus great social dance parties, including their Saturday night gala dinner show and dance at the Sandia Casino Resort Hotel Convention Center. Many Austin dancers are sure to enjoy this fun weekend.

Friday, April 24

Meanwhile back in Austin, dancers have lots of great choices all over town, including fine studio dances at Uptown Dance, Go Dance, Dance Institute, and Rhythmic Motion. This Friday night, dancers may also enjoy a special Blues Dance at Kick-Butt Coffee from 9pm to 1am, or a late night Argentine Tango Milonga at Uptown Dance from 9:30 to 3am.

Saturday, April 25

How would you like to Dance All Day for just $19? This Saturday from 10am to 6pm, you can do just that at Uptown Dance as they open the doors for a fantastic day of fun learning and dancing a nice variety of Ballroom dances, including Swing, Foxtrot, Samba, Rumba, Tango, Waltz, Cha Cha, QuickStep, and more. You can even do Zumba at noon for that one low price, including your choice of two fun classes every hour.

This Saturday night from 7pm to 10:30, Dance International hosts the 2009 Austin Ballroom Dance Festival at the UT Texas Union on 24th at Guadalupe, featuring live dance music by the fabulous Nash Hernandez Orchestra, plus a Latin show featuring performances by Champions Riccardo Cocchi & Yulia Zagoryuchenko. This event includes beginner and intermediate Cha Cha workshops at 1pm and 2pm also at the Texas Union, all for $18 at the door. Discounts are also available for students or advanced purchase.

Also this Saturday from noon to 6:30, enjoy Blues Dancing classes with Lucky Skillen, Campbell Keatinge-Clay & Chris Mayer at the Dancer's Workshop. Then at 8pm, enjoy their Blues Dance at the same location, with DJs BluRay and St. Patrick.

From 6:30 to 9:30 this Saturday night, there is also a benefit dance for Jefre Outlaw at Uptown Soutn (Tapestry). This fun event features food, refreshments, fellowship, and dance lessons, including Two Step at 6:30, Swing at 7:30, and Salsa at 8:30, all for a suggested donation of just $10.

Coming Attractions

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Whip Club 20th Anniversary Dance Party, coming right up on Saturday, May 9th at the Red River Church. See this discount flyer [318KB PDF] for more information, maps, and directions.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo

Dancing in Austin this Week. April 12-18

2009-04-12T13:14:00.001-05:00

Dancing in Austin this Week

Greater Austin Dancers,

We hope this Resurrection Day finds you filled with expectation of the best things in life to come. As time brings change to all things, may you find all you seek in this life and more.

This coming week looks very promising for dancing in Austin and San Antonio. We hope you enjoy many recurring favorites listed on our Dancing in Austin calendar, and make the most of all the special events described here.

Sunday, April 12

Christian Villalobos & Crystal Verver host a series of Salsa Workshops today at Uptown Dance. The fun begins at 1pm with Salsa Spin Techniques, followed by Shines & Styling at 2pm, and Show-Off Patterns at 3pm.

Thursday, April 16

At 6:30pm, the fabulous Carmen Goodman returns to Austin for one last free West Coast Swing workshop at the Whip Club, just off MoPac in North Austin. As a distinguished performer, choreographer, coach, and judge, Carmen is widely recognized as one of the finest dancers in the country, winning countless awards for herself and her students in all kinds of dance events. All intermediate or advanced Swing dancers are invited to enjoy this 90-minute workshop at no charge, thanks to Vernon Lemens, who for years instructed and encouraged members and guests alike as the club Dance Director. Recognizing their tremendous contribution to Austin dancers, we want to encourage everyone to make the most of this last workshop.

Friday - Saturday, April 17-18

San Antonio dancers have a golden opportunity to see even more of Carmen Goodman this Friday and Saturday as she offers a series of workshops at 7400 Pipers Lane. The fun begins at 7:30 Friday night with two Cha Cha workshops, beginning with technique, footwork, and motion, and ending with a series of patterns and styling to look your best.

The fun continues at 1pm Saturday afternoon as Carmen Goodman leads two West Coast Swing workshops at the same location. First, learn some Fancy Funky Footwork, then enjoy learning West Coast Tricks at 2:30. You must know the basics to take these classes. Singles and couples are welcome. For more information, see this flyer [107KB GIF].

Meanwhile back in Austin, choose from four fine studio dances, or try a local nightclub. Some of you may know Ted Fritsche, who visits Austin from Houston this Friday night, and asks that we extend his invitation to meet for dancing at Graham Central Station.

Also this Friday and Saturday, Ballroom dancers are sure to enjoy the Texas Ballroom Austin Open in the Texas Union Ballroom on the UT Austin campus. The fun begins Friday night at 8pm with a free workshop and welcome dance. Saturday morning at 10:30, registration and check-in preceeds warmup for Session One at 1pm, featuring competitive heats in Country & Western, American Smooth, International Standard, and Social dance events. Session Two at 4pm features American Rhythm, International Latin, All Open, and Fun Dances. One thing we really like about this event is free spectator admission, so you can spend an hour or spend the day enjoying young people from near and far compete for the gold, and the enjoyment of many fine performances. For more information, see their information packet 550KB PDF.

Saturday, April 18

This Saturday evening, beginning dancers may also enjoy a Southside Shuffle Line Dance workshop with James Heath at Go Dance.
It all adds up to a great week for dancing in Austin.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.
Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo

Dancing in Austin This Week, April 7-11

2009-04-06T13:10:00.002-05:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

Thanks to many of you, this promises to be a delightful week for dancing in Austin. With many recurring favorites listed on our Dancing in Austin calendar, plus the special events described here, we know many of you will have a great time.

Tuesday, April 7

Intermediate or Advanced West Coast Swing dancers should really make a point to join Swing Champion Angel Figueroa at 8pm for a series of four weekly West Coast Swing workshops at the Shirley McPhail School of Dance, just minutes from MoPac in North Austin. Angel is well-known from coast to coast as a superb instructor, competitor, and judge. His workshops and classes are first class and lots of fun. You will learn a unique variety of social dance moves that are sure to delight your dance partners. You're welcome to sample any class for just $15, yet if you sign up for all four weeks, you get a special rate of just $45. That's four weeks for the price of three! The same deal applies to Angel's Argentine Tango classes, which also begin a new four-week series at 9pm this Tuesday night. We invite and encourage even more of you to enjoy Tuesdays with Angel. You're sure to have a great time learning moves you can really use.

Thursday, April 9

For many years, our friend Vernon Lemens has served as Dance Director at the Whip Club, and Club Representative to other Whip and Push clubs throughout Texas and the Southwest. He has planned and delivered countless West Coast Swing workshops as a generous gift to all Austin dancers. His accomplishments just in dancing are more than we could even begin to describe here. As other matters continue to take a greater share of his time, Vernon recently announced his departure from the club, with two parting gifts to Austin dancers. First is the last of his 7pm Advanced West Coast Swing classes at the Whip Club. This special class is devoted to Rib Checks & Spins, and dedicated to all intermediate or advanced West Coast Swing dancers, who are invited to enjoy it at no charge. We hope those of you who have danced with the Whip Club over the years, and many more who may yet have that pleasure, will take time this Thursday evening to enjoy Vernon's last class. He shall soon be missed more than anyone can say.

Friday, April 10

The Rhythm Congress R&B Swing Band returns to Uptown Dance from 7 to 10pm this Friday night for a special live music Swing Dance you won't want to miss. With at least one dancer in the band, they continue to develop an extensive repertoire of classic R&B favorites, drawing a sizeable crowd of fans. Between sets, dancers are sure to enjoy nonstop dancing that includes Two Step, Cha Cha, Nightclub and more. We know many of you are sure to enjoy dancing this Friday night, and look forward to seeing you there.

Saturday, April 11

This Saturday, Dance Institute presents two morning workshops at 10 and 11am, and a 7:30 evening dance with performances by Ballroom World Champions Luca & Loraine Baricchi. The workshops discuss an insight to the art of Ballroom dancing.

Saturday afternoon, Uptown Dance offers Wine & Workshops, featuring a full day of fun workshops by some of Austin's finest instructors. The fun begins at 1pm with BYOB wine tasting and social dancing on their spacious floated bamboo floor. At 1:30, dancers are sure to enjoy Smooth, Cool Advanced Hustle Moves, the first of two workshops with Mike Topel & Sherry Reynolds. At 2:30, Mike & Sherry offer a West Coast Swing workshop called Slot Movers and Weaves. Dancers enjoy more social dancing and wine tasting from 3:30 to 4pm, when Swing Champions Angel & Debbie Figueroa lead a West Coast Swing workshop called Building Moves on What You Know, followed at 5pm by Create Your Own Syncopations. We thoroughly enjoyed the first two Wine & Workshops weekends at Uptown Dance, and look forward to another delightful afternoon with many of you.

At 7:30 Saturday evening, Angel Figueroa & Rick Domalski DJ a West Coast Swing Dance at the Elks Club Lodge, featuring a fantastic balcony view of the downtown Austin skyline. This unique venue offers dancers an unforgetable evening with lots of fine Swing music and dancers. We expect a fine turnout and want to encourage all dancers to enjoy the evening with us.

Also this Saturday night at 7:30, Tommy Schwegmann & Dee Kalick offer a Solo Charleston workshop for beginning and intermediate dancers at Go Dance, followed at 9:30 by a Lindy, Swing & Blues Dance co-hosted with the Austin Swing Syndicate. The evening includes a special Lindy Jack & Jill contest for dancers who have been dancing three years or less.

With all kinds of dancing in Austin this week, we want to encourage everyone to make the most of it.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.
Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo
If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week, March 29 - April 4

2009-03-29T19:33:00.001-05:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

Many of you are sure to enjoy dancing in Austin this week. Here are highlights of a few special events we hope you don't miss. Check our Dancing in Austin calendar for more fun than we can begin to describe here.

Sunday, March 29

Valerie Ryan begins a new four-week Beginner Two Step series today from 1 to 3pm at QuickSilver, followed by level 3 West Coast Swing from 3 to 5pm, Open Practice from 5 to 6pm, and Team Practice from 6 to 7pm.

Monday, March 30

The fun continues at QuickSilver as Valerie Ryan takes Advanced Two Step to the next level with a new four-week series from 7 to 9pm.

Also Monday night, Sabrina Barker & Curtis Prevost offer two special Vienesse Waltz workshops at Dance Institute, level 1 at 6pm, followed by level 2 at 7pm.

Tuesday, March 31

Go Dance hosts their Open House this Tuesday at 6pm with three free introductory lessons, starting with Two Step at 6:30, followed by Swing at 7:15 and Salsa at 8pm. Currently enrolled students may enjoy free workshops in these dances at the same time.

Also this Tuesday, Jolle & Denis Generalov host a workshop series at Dance Institute, starting with Latin Technique at 6pm, followed by Ladies Arm Styling at 7:15, and Paso Doble at 8:15.

Wednesday, April 1

At 7pm, the marvelous Mike Topel begins a new four-week intermediate West Coast Swing series at Uptown Dance, followed by the very popular weekly West Coast Swing dance at 8pm. It's a midweek party you should definitely enjoy.

Thursday, April 2

At 7pm, Vernon Lemens offers a free advanced West Coast Swing workshop at the Whip Club.

Friday, April 3

Four fine Austin dance studios offer a nice selection of dance venues every Friday night.

Saturday, April 4

At 2pm, Rhythmic Motion offers a beginner Argentine Tango workshop.

At 7:30, Richard Dugger & Sarah Berens offer an intermediate Nightclub workshop at Go Dance. In the same time slot, David Abril & Liz Garcia offer an intermediate Argentine Tango workshop also a Go Dance, both followed by their Spring Fling Dance, featuring the best of Country & Western and West Coast Swing in the main ballroom, plus spacious siderooms featuring Salsa and Argentine Tango. This is sure to be a grand party you don't want to miss.

At 9pm, many dancers should also enjoy the Big Band Swing of the Nash Hernandez Orchestra at Donn's Depot in downtown Austin. Better get there early if you want a place to park and sit.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo

If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:
skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week March 27-29

2009-03-22T19:27:00.005-05:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

Thanks for reading our newsletter on dancing in Austin. We appreciate the time you take to enjoy dancing with us, and just want to mention a few highlights of the week ahead. For a lot more information about all kinds of dancing fun, be sure to check out our Dancing in Austin calendar.

From March 27th thru March 29th, 2009, many Austin dancers are sure to enjoy the 20th Annual Texas Hoe Down, a fabulous Country & Western dancing extravaganza in the Dallas / Ft. Worth metroplex. The fun begins Thursday night, Mar. 26th, with a convoy to Cowboys Arlington hosted by Terri Bordeaux. Registration opens at 8am Friday morning, followed at 9am by a nice variety of workshops all day long. Friday night, the ballroom opens at 5pm for spectators to watch competitors warm up, followed by the first C&W competitive events at 8pm. At 10pm, dancers are sure to enjoy West Coast Swing and Two Step Jack & Jill contests, a fun test of the ability to lead or follow with a randomly selected partner. The ballroom eventually closes later that night, and opens again at 7am Saturday morning as couples warm up for more C&W competition throughout the day. Saturday night features a nice show at 8pm with lots of open dancing and parties lasting well into the morning. The fun continues Sunday morning and lasts throughout the afternoon. With so much fun and excitement, it all adds up to a great weekend for dancing you won't want to miss, just a few hours drive from here.

Meanwhile back in Austin Saturday March 28 from 11am to 6:15pm, Campbell Keatinge-Clay & Chris Mayer host a full day of Blues Workshops at the Anna Hiss Gym on the UT Austin campus, followed at 8pm with a Blues Dance with DJ BluRay.

Valerie Ryan begins a new Two Step series at level 1 starting Sunday, March 29, from 1 to 3pm at QuickSilver. This is a change from her original schedule due to popular demand for this fun class.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo

Dancing in Austin this Week March 20-21

2009-03-15T10:08:00.000-05:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

You're all invited to check our Dancing in Austin calendar for current events and late breaking news, including many recurring favorites you're sure to enjoy. This newsletter mentions some of those from time to time, yet mainly features a few special events we hope you don't miss. Take time to enjoy all the great dancing in Austin this week, and we'll all be glad you did.

Friday, March 20

Fridays feature fine social dancing every week at Uptown Dance, Go Dance, Dance Institute, and Rhythmic Motion. This Friday at 9:30, you may also enjoy dancing East Coast Swing, Jitterbug, or Lindy Hop with the Austin Swing Syndicate at Go Dance, or dance Argentine Tango in a special Milonga at Uptown Dance, also at 9:30

Saturday, March 21

This Saturday, Uptown Dance hosts an extraordinary day of dancing with beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes offered in Swing, Ballroom, Country, and Salsa, all day long for just $19. Current students receive referral credits for new students enrolling in regular classes, and those new students also get a discount on all kinds of great classes. If you know someone who could use a little more fun in their life, there's no better time than the present to give them a gift that just keeps on giving. Pay it back or pay it forward, it all works out just fine.

Also this Saturday, David Abril & Barbara Lucke begin a six-week On2 Salsa Intensive from noon to 2pm at Go Dance, with early-bird discounts through March 13.

In that same time slot from noon to 2pm, Tommy Schwegmann & Dee Kalick offer intermediate Lindy Hop dancers an opportunity to Blues Up Your Lindy in an adjoining studio at Go Dance.

The rich variety of dancing in Austin just keeps getting better. We hope even more of you take a little time to make the most of it this week.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.

Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo

If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:
skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin This Week, Mar. 8-14

2009-03-08T08:49:00.001-05:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

It's always a great week for Dancing in Austin, thanks to so many of you sharing your time and talents. We especially want to thank Carson & Kristy Watson and the Austin Scottish Country Dancers who joined QuickSilver Dancers for several dance performances yesterday at local senior centers. We enjoyed dancing with you and know you helped to brightened the lives of many. We also want to thank Darren Paul for a full evening of very nice Country & Western dance music last night at Go Dance. We had a great time and know many of you did as well. Here are highlights of some special events we hope you don't miss.

Sunday, March 8

If you missed the show last Thursday, tonight is your last chance to see SKATE! A Night at the Rink. Doors open at 6:30 for the closing 7pm performance. Don't wait another minute to get your tickets.

Friday, March 13

The Rhythm Congress returns to Uptown Dance for another great night of Rhythm & Blues just right for West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing or anything else you enjoy, including a full range of C&W favorites between sets. Their last two engagements were well attended and greatly enjoyed, so come on out and make the most of great live dancing in Austin.

Saturday, March 14

Champion Latin dancer Milana Pliner offers an Advanced Cha Cha workshop on fundamental technique and styling Saturday afternoon from noon to 2pm at Go Dance.

Later at 6:30 Saturday evening, Step N Motion hosts their Dallas Swing Graduation & Showcase Swing Dance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 6121 N I-35 in downtown Austin.

Also this Saturday night at 7:30, Go Dance hosts Dancing for Dachshunds, a dance to benefit the Central Texas Dachshund Rescue. The evening includes brief dance classes in Two Step & Salsa, dance exhibitions by World Champions Rowdy DuFrene & Maryann Harvey, light refreshments, and lots of C&W and Swing dancing. For more information, see this flyer [720KB PDF].

Dancers can also expect a great night for dancing at Midnight Rodeo in South Austin, just east of I-35 on Ben White Blvd. The fun begins at 6pm with a little social dancing at the Uptown Dance South studio, also known as Tapestry. Then at 6:30, the studio offers your choice of Two Step 1 with Stewart & Kathleen, or Two Step 2 with Carson & Kristy, followed by more social dancing at the studio until everyone heads for Midnight Rodeo, where the doors open at 8pm with a $5 cover for men and free admission for ladies.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo
If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week, Mar. 1-7

2009-03-01T08:42:00.000-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

This promises to be a fantastic week for Dancing in Austin, including new classes, recurring favorites, and many special events you won't want to miss. Here are some highlights.

Sunday, March 1

A series of West Coast Swing workshops with Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann concludes today at Go Dance with Hot Moves for 2009 at 12:15, followed by Rolling Count - The Secret of the Dance at 1:30, and Critique Hour at 2:45. Don't miss these World Champions and the many fine dancers they bring to these special workshops.

Also this afternoon at 1pm, enjoy a series of Free Introductory Workshops at the Uptown Dance Open House. The fun begins with Two Step at 1pm, followed by Swing at 1:45, and Salsa at 2:30. First-time students get a discount for regular enrollment, and current students earn a $10 credit for bringing a friend who enrolls. With social dances on Wednesday, Thrusday, Friday, and Sunday, you can now enjoy any workshop and dance for just $15, or get a whole month of unlimited social dances for just $30.

March classes begin this afternoon at QuickSilver, as Valerie Ryan offers Two Step 2 from 1 to 3pm, followed by West Coast Swing 2 from 3 to 5pm, then an hour of Open Practice from 5 to 6pm, and Team Practice from 6 to 7pm. Her unique two-hour classes offer a great mix of structured review and practice to develop comfort and confidence for social dancing. Open practice also provides an opportunity for everyone to practice or observe other dancers enjoying all kinds of dance music by request, open to all at no charge.

The evening ends well to start the week off right with your choice of the Potluck Dance at Uptown Dance, now free for all, including a nice variety of tasty home-cooked dishes, or the Déjà vu Dance at Go Dance, also a nice choice for C&W and Salsa dancing.

Monday, March 2

Go Dance hosts their Open House this Monday from 6 to 9pm with Free Introductory Classes for new dancers and Free Mini-Workshops for intermediate dancers, both featuring Two Step at 6:30, Swing at 7:15, and Salsa at 8pm.

Tuesday, March 3

At 6:30, the fabulous Mike Topel begins an exciting month of advanced Hustle classes at Austin Uptown Dance, with expert instruction on technique and styling to confidently lead or follow to the beat of this flashy social dance.

Also this Tuesday night at 7:15, Campbell Keatinge-Clay & Chris Mayer begin their new four-week Shades of Blue workshop series on Blues Dancing at the Fed Mansion.

At 8pm, West Coast Swing dancers should definitely enjoy dancing with Swing Champion Angel Figueroa at the Shirley McPhail School of Dance, just minutes off MoPac in North Austin. Angel works wonders in private lessons and offers this one fun class in Austin, building a nice amalgamation of unique moves from week to week. If you want to add variety and smiles to your dancing, do whatever it takes to include this class in your week. Try one class for $15, or enjoy all four classes for the price of three at $45 for the month. At 9pm, Angel offers a very nice Argentine Tango class at the same location, with the same discount for all four classes.

Wednesday, March 4

The fun continues at Uptown Dance as Mike Topel begins a new four-week intermediate West Coast Swing series at 7pm, followed by the popular midweek West Coast Swing Dance at 8pm, with Mike as DJ playing all kinds of pop, jazz, and blues, including Hustle and occasional C&W favorites for variety. Many fine dancers come from far and wide to enjoy this fun event. We look forward to seeing even more of you there this week.

Thursday - Sunday, March 5 - 8

This coming weekend, hundreds of dancers converge on Tysons Corner Virginia just outside Washington DC to enjoy MADjam, one of the biggest dance parties in the nation, featuring fantastic West Coast Swing, Hustle, and more. The main hotel is sold out, but there's still room for more right next door. This fun weekend includes over 45 workshops by some of the best instructors anywhere, including Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann, who are just completing a series of West Coast Swing workshops in Austin today. MADjam prize money attracts great competitive dancers for all to enjoy. Social dancing literally lasts all night long. Whether you like to party or just like to dance, MADjam offers a memorable weekend you're sure to enjoy.

Thursday, March 5

Meanwhile back in Austin, Carmen Goodman returns to the Whip Club at 6:30 this Thursday evening for a special free 90-minute intermediate West Coast Swing workshop with Vernon Lemens on Classey Drops, simple techniques for looking great. You don't need to be a member, don't need to bring a partner, and don't need to pay anything to enjoy this workshop with the Whip Club. All are welcome to stay after the workshop with Carmen for a little social dancing followed by your choice of a level 1 class with Mac McAnally, or a level 3 class with Eddie Fann, each from 8:30 to 9:30. We hope many of you join in welcoming Carmen back to Austin and dancing at the Whip Club this Thursday night.

Also this Thursday, doors open at 7:30 for a reprise of the Forklift Danceworks production of SKATE! A Night at the Rink at the Playland Skate Center, just off Hwy 183 north of Burnet Road at 8822 McCann Dr. Tickets range from $15 to $35 for reserved VIP seating. Their last engagement sold out, so don't wait any longer to get your tickets. Look for Danny and Marilee in the revolving chorus line. If you miss this show, your last chance will be Sunday, March 8, at 6:30pm.

Friday, March 6

We always enjoy the music, floor, atmosphere, refreshments, and company of great dancers at studio dances on Friday nights. It just keeps getting better every week. Last Friday night at Uptown Dance was really delightful, including the pleasure of introducing several brand new dancers to their first real dance experience. You will also find great dancing at Go Dance, Dance Institute, and Rhythmic Motion every Friday night. A new weekly Blues Dancing venue just got started last Friday night called Kick Butt Blues at Kick Butt Coffee on Airport Blvd. Check it out from 9pm to 1am and let us know how you like it.

Saturday, March 7

At 11:30am, David Abril & Barbara Lucke offer a two-hour Wedding Dance workshop at Go Dance, teaching the basic steps to several popular wedding dances.

Later that evening, Valerie Ryan offers a two-hour beginning Western Waltz workshop at QuickSilver from 5 to 7pm, followed by a two-hour beginning Two Step workshop from 7 to 9pm. Each offers new or inexperienced dancers the perfect opportunity to learn all the fundamentals of these classic C&W dances. As an added bonus, she plans to open the studio to everyone for all kinds of Social Dancing by request from 9 to 11pm for a suggested donation of $1.

Also this Saturday night at 7:30, Sidney Joseph & Amanda Cardona offer an intermediate to advanced Salsa Workshop at Go Dance.

Then at 8:30, Go Dance offers their multi-genre Lifeworks Party, featuring C&W and West Coast Swing dancing in the main ballroom, plus Salsa and Ballroom/Latin dancing in the adjoining ballrooms. Dancers receive $5 off the regular $10 admission for any donation to the Lifeworks shelter for homeless children. Your donation also enters you to win a free private lesson at Go Dance. We encourage all dancers to support the studios who teach and enable us to enjoy social dancing. If you haven't been lately, the reason may surprise you. It's certainly true they offer clean, spacious, cushioned floors in great condition, and we freely admit we enjoy their cool fresh air, unlimited free water, delicious refreshments, snacks, desserts, and BYOB policy. Yes, they do play by far the best music in town, yet the #1 reason we recommend studio dances is because we have a lot more fun there than anywhere else we dance, mainly because so many of you are there. Dancing is a lot more fun when you don't have to be quite so wary of those who are not interested in learning to dance, who unpredictably come to a sudden stop or lurch backward into your path, who have no concept of traffic flow and evidently never heard of common courtesy on the dance floor. These detractions almost never happen at a studio dance. It's pure dancing pleasure from start to finish, the very best nightclub experience in town. We hope you also appreciate studio dances as we do, and look forward to dancing with you there, every chance we get.

Also this Saturday night at 9pm, a full house of Austin dancers will surely enjoy the Big Band Swing and Latin rhythms of the Nash Hernandez Orchestra at Donn's Depot, just off 5th Street at West Lynn in downtown Austin. The rustic smoke-free atmosphere of real train cars adds that extra touch of bygone ambiance that blends so nicely with many familiar tunes. The dance floors are always packed, yet the dancers always respect each other's space, and everyone has a great time. For a nice seat and parking space, better get there by 8pm.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo

Dancing in Austin this Week Feb. 27-March 1

2009-02-22T18:31:00.002-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

Thanks for making Dancing in Austin such a pleasure by freely sharing your time and talents. We look forward to dancing with you this week. Here are some special events we hope you don't miss.

Friday, February 27

Great C&W and Swing dancing at Uptown Dance this Friday night at 6pm is followed by Argentine Tango this week only, starting at 9:30. Friday nights also offer great dancing at Go Dance, Dance Institute, and Rhythmic Motion.

Friday - Sunday, February 27 - March 1

Dance Institute hosts a Tango Weekend starting this Friday with Laura Pellegrino presenting an Argentine Tango Sampler at 7:30, followed by social dancing from 8:30 to 10pm. Then on Saturday, U.S. Ballroom Champion Stephen Cullip offers two International Tango workshops, starting with How to Dance Tango at 2pm, followed by Tango Choreography at 3pm. Saturday night, join Laura Pellegrino for an Argentine Tango Milonga from 9pm to midnight, including a special performance by guest artists Murat & Michelle. Sunday, join Laura from 4 to 6pm for the first of three weekly two-hour classes for beginners to learn the fundamentals of Argentine Tango.

Saturday, February 28

From 2pm to 3:30, enjoy the next Samba workshop in a series offered at Rhythmic Motion in South Austin at the "Y" in Oak Hill. Snacks and refreshments are included. Their March schedule synchronizes group classes with live music next door at Segovia, a restaurant, bar and nightclub offering Salsa, Swing, & Country bands on week nights.

Saturday - Sunday, February 28 - March 1

Swing Champions Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann return to Austin this weekend, offering private lessons and a series of great intermediate to advanced West Coast Swing workshops at Go Dance. The fun begins Saturday afternoon at 2:15 with Smooth Patterns & Styling, followed by Forgotten Basics at 3:30, then Musicality at its Best at 4:45.

Saturday night at 8:30, enjoy a delightful West Coast Swing Party with DJ David Appel, including a fantastic demonstration by Jordan & Tatiana.

Sunday afternoon workshops include Hot New Moves at 12:15, the Secret of the Rolling Count at 1:30, and a Critique Hour to bring your dancing up a level at 2:45. Many are sure to enjoy meeting, dancing, and working with these delightful dancers while they're in Austin. We hope you join the fun and make the most of their brief time here.

Coming Attractions

Looking ahead to early March, dancers won't want to miss a reprise production of SKATE! A Night at the Rink. Here's a little video preview. To enjoy the live performance, we suggest you get your tickets soon.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo
If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:

skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week Feb. 15-21

2009-02-15T08:55:00.001-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,
We want to thank you all for helping to make the most of great dancing in Austin. Many of you know how much we enjoy studio dances in Austin. Some come quite a distance to enjoy these with us. If you haven't tried a studio dance lately, you don't know what you're missing. The mix of music and dancers just keeps getting better week by week. We especially want to thank Richard Dugger and Sarah Berens for hosting such fine Country & Western and Swing dancing last night at the Go Dance Black Red and White dance, with an honorable mention for Sarah's marvelous chocolate chip cheese cake, and Shaidri's inspiring refreshments. We had a truly delightful evening and know many of you did as well. Austin studios frequently provide us all with great social dancing. Check our Dancing in Austin calendar for more details, including all the latest news. Here are a few items of special interest we hope you don't miss.

Sunday, February 15

At 6pm, Austin Uptown Dance offers a splendid Potluck & Dance that is free for all, featuring all kinds of C&W and Swing music for your dancing pleasure. All who eat are also invited to bring and enjoy your favorite foods, including some special home cooked meals on the house. For an early start to a great evening, the studio offers your choice of Two Step 1 with Ellen, or Two Step 3 with Chuck & Sherry, both at 5pm, for a suggested donation of $15 to enjoy the entire evening. All donations for the workshops or dance benefit a dancing friend currently taking costly treatment for a life-threatening illness.

Also this Sunday night at 6:30, Go Dance offers their Déjà vu Dance, with C&W and Swing dancing until 9pm, followed by Salsa.

Wednesday, February 18

The Body Springs Pilates Studio just off MoPac on Far West offers dancers and friends a Free Introductory Pilates Mat/Tower session with owner Vicki Hickerson from 5:45 to 6:30pm. Come on out and get jazzed with Vicki, Dolores, and friends.

Thursday, February 19

At 7pm this Thursday night, Vernon Lemens offers intermediate and advanced West Coast Swing dancers a free workshop on One Foot Spins at the Whip Club. You don't need to be a member of the club, and don't need to bring a partner. First time visitors are always welcome to sample classes at no charge. Returning dancers are also welcome to enjoy classes with a $5 suggested donation, or join the club with a six-month membership for just $60.

Friday, February 20

This Friday, the Rhythm Congress Swing Band returns to Uptown Dance North for another great night of dancing. You're sure to enjoy dancing East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Jitterbug, and Cha Cha, plus a full range of C&W selections between sets. The band's last engagement brought close to a full house, which is saying a lot considering the spacious expanse of their floated bamboo floor as they draw back the curtains to open up the whole ballroom. You'll find plenty of comfortable seating, snacks, refreshments, and dancers to share the fun, and you're always welcome to BYOB. With at least one West Coast Swing dancer in the band, they work hard to deliver the music so many of us enjoy. Some of us have as much fun performing for the band as they have performing for us, so come on out and help make this a night to remember.

Also this Friday night at 9:30, you can join the Austin Swing Syndicate for another great studio dance at Go Dance, with music just right for dancing East Coast Swing, Jitterbug, and Lindy Hop.

Saturday, February 21

Valerie Ryan hosts two beginner workshops this Saturday evening at QuickSilver, starting at 5pm with Line Dancing, followed at 7pm by East Coast Swing and Jitterbug (Single Step Swing). Line dancing develops timing, footwork, posture, styling, and spacial orientation with no help or hindrance from any partner or lack thereof. East Coast Swing is one of the most versatile, easy, and fun partner dances we know. Methodical instruction in a unique two-hour format offers beginning dancers the kind of repetition and practice many of us need to successfully transition from the studio to the social dance floor. Each class teaches fundamental movements, timing, and footwork that build a great foundation for all kinds of dancing. If you or someone you know would like to learn or review the fundamentals of dancing, you would do well to take one or both of these special workshops. For an added bonus, the studio is open to everyone for social dancing from 9 to 11pm with a suggested donation of just $1, playing all kinds of dance music by request.

Many of us are really looking forward to great Country & Western dancing at Midnight Rodeo Austin this Saturday night. Doors open at 8pm with free admission for ladies and just a $5 cover for men. Boasting the biggest honky tonk floor in town, their smoke-free air is pretty cool this time of year. Uptown Dance offers an early start to a very nice evening at their South Studio (Tapestry), with 6pm social dancing, your choice of a beginning Two Step lesson with Stewart & Kathleen or an intermediate Two Step lesson with Carson & Kristy Watson, both at 6:30, followed by more social dancing until Midnight Rodeo opens for the main event. Reliable sources tell us everyone gets a free drink coupon this Saturday only, so bring your friends and make the most of a great night for dancing in Austin.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.

J&D

James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo
If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:
skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week Feb. 8-14

2009-02-08T10:45:00.000-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

We always look forward to dancing with you, and really appreciate all who take the time to share your talent with so many. Don't forget to check our Dancing in Austin calendar of events for late breaking news and much more fun than we could even begin to describe here. Thanks for reading our weekly newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading and putting it to good use.

Sunday, February 8

Starting at 11:30am today, UT Blues hosts a series of afternoon Blues Dancing workshops with Campbell Keatinge-Clay & Chris Mayer, followed by a Blues Dance with DJ BluRay from 7 to 10pm, all at the Anna Hiss Gym (AHG) 136 on the UT Austin campus.

Also today, San Antonio dancers have a delightful choice between a series of four West Coast Swing workshops with Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson from noon to 5pm, followed by a Dance Session from 5 to 6pm, all at Midnight Rodeo San Antonio, or a series of West Coast Swing workshops with Mike Topel at the Ballroom Dance Academy from 1 to 3:15 today.

Meanwhile back in Austin from 4 to 5pm at Uptown Dance North, C&W Master Competitor Sherry Reynolds begins a new six-week series on Competitive Dancing, featuring Two Step and Country Waltz newcomer routines. It's a perfect opportunity to meet new dancers and make your plans to enjoy the 2009 season of C&W events, starting next month with the 20th Annual Texas Hoe-Down in Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Sunday night also offers a nice selection of studio dances that just keep getting better. The fun begins with your choice of two 5pm Two Step workshops at Uptown Dance, followed by hours of great social dancing on their spacious floated bamboo floor. It's free for all who celebrate birthdays this month, and just $5 for everyone else, including a nice Potluck Buffet. Many dancers also enjoy the Déjà vu Dance at Go Dance on Sunday nights, starting at 6:30 with C&W Dancing, followed by Salsa at 9pm, plus a free Salsa lesson at 8:30.

Thursday, February 12

At 6:30 this Thursday evening, Carmen Goodman returns to Austin for a special West Coast Swing workshop with Vernon Lemens on Classey Drops, teaching simple techniques for looking great. This special workshop is free and open to all intermediate or advanced Swing dancers. You do not need to be a member of the Whip Club and you do not need a partner. After the workshop, all are invited to stay for a half hour of social dancing, followed by your choice of a beginner class with Mac McAnally, or an intermediate class with Eddie Fann, all at no charge during this special Open House. We hope many can join the fun of a great night for dancing in Austin.

Friday, February 13

This Friday the 13th at 7pm, the stage production Tango Fire comes to Austin at the One World Theatre.

There are also at least four fine Friday studio dances, all listed on our Dancing in Austin calendar of events.

Saturday, February 14

Saturday afternoon at Uptown Dance North, Christian Villalobos & Crystal Verver host a series of Salsa Workshops, starting with Salsa Spins at 1pm, followed by Styling for Shines and Patterns at 2pm, and Advanced Choreographed Patterns at 3pm.

Although a Valentine's Day workshop series with Louis van Amstel & Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars has been cancelled due to her knee injury, the Dance Institute gladly offers a Valentine's Day Dance, with music ranging from Waltz to Salsa and Country & Western. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. You're welcome to BYOB. Light appetizers are provided. Attire is dressy. Advanced tickets and reservations are recommended. For more information, call 346-6612.

Also Saturday evening at 7:30, Howard Smallowitz & Jenna Bautista offer Fabulous Finishes at Go Dance. This intermediate to advanced workshop features dips and other simple ending moves you can use to finish any dance in style.

Then at 8:30, enjoy the Go Dance Black, White & Red Party, a multi-genre extravaganza featuring Country & Western and West Coast Swing dancing in the main ballroom, plus Argentine Tango and Salsa in the adjoining ballrooms. Many of us really enjoyed the main event last month, thanks in part to a fantastic DJ playing classic C&W favorites mixed with all kinds of contemporary Swing music. We eagerly anticipate another delightful evening, and look forward to dancing with many of you there.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.

J&D

James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo
If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:
skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week Feb. 1-8

2009-02-01T08:27:00.002-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

This week and month are loaded with great opportunities to enjoy Dancing in Austin. We really appreciate all of you who frequently join us, and want to encourage even more of you to take a little time to enjoy the good life, dancing in Austin this week.

Sunday, February 1

February classes begin today at QuickSilver as Valerie Ryan offers two great C&W classes just right for beginners. Enjoy four weeks of beginning Two Step from 1 to 3pm, followed by beginning West Coast Swing from 3 to 5pm. This unique two-hour format is just what many of us need to review, practice, learn and retain new moves for a successful transition from the studio to the social dance floor. Watching some of the best social dancers in Austin, we often marvel at how many got just what they needed when they first learned to dance at QuickSilver. We highly recommend these classes, especially for those with little or no prior dance experience, or anyone who thinks they were born with two left feet. You will definitely learn many useful patterns, and build the kind of confidence you need to really enjoy social dancing. More experienced dancers also enjoy taking the fundamentals again to develop their ability to lead or follow with less experienced partners. Depending on sustained enrollment, these classes could continue for months, and may not return to level 1 for another year, so even if you have some prior dance experience, we advise you to start back at level 1 and build the foundation for a lot more fun to come. Then at 5pm, all dancers are invited to enjoy Open Practice at QuickSilver to all kinds of dance music by request. You don't need to be currently or previously enrolled. In fact, you're welcome even if you have no intention of dancing or ever taking a class. Just come as you are and see how dancers like to have fun. The QuickSilver Performance Team also meets on Sunday nights from 6 to 7pm, featuring synchronized choreography for advanced Two Step, Cha-Cha, East Coast Swing, and West Coast Swing, all for just $10 per month! Occasional performances at local senior centers and nursing homes are optional.

Every Sunday evening, enjoy your choice of two great social dances at Go Dance and Uptown Dance. The fun begins at 5pm Uptown, with your choice of two fun classes, followed at 6pm by a full evening of great C&W dancing on the beautiful floated bamboo floor of their spacious ballroom, plus a Potluck Dinner for those of us who also enjoy eating. At 6:30, Go Dance offers their Déjà vu Dance, featuring C&W dancing until 9pm, when Salsa takes the floor. They even include a free beginning or intermediate Salsa lesson at 8:30. Wherever you dance, you're always welcome to BYOB, and sure to have a great time.

Monday, February 2

The fun continues at QuickSilver as Valerie Ryan leads Advanced Two Step from 7 to 9pm. Though attendance was down a bit in January, newcomers and more experienced dancers continue to have a great time perfecting familiar intermediate moves and taking on the challenge of progressively more rewarding material. If you want to take your Two Step to the next level, now is a perfect time to join the fun and really look forward to Monday night dancing.

Tuesday, February 3

At 6:30, Mike Topel begins another month of intermediate to advanced Hustle at Uptown Dance. Newcomers include the fabulous Maria Groten, featured in this You Tube video dancing with Mike at Dancing with the Stars in Austin last December. As the whole class soon discovered, she's also a fantastic cook. If you know the basics of Hustle, it's not too late to join the fun, learning to add flash and style to your dancing with lots of great social moves.

Also this Tuesday night at 8pm, join Swing Champion Angel Figueroa at the Shirley McPhail School of Dance, just minutes from Mopac in North Austin, for a fantastic intermediate West Coast Swing series. You can try a single lesson for just $15, or get a package deal of four classes for the price of three, just $45 for the month. This class is great fun, and may be just what you need to add new moves you won't find elsewhere, guaranteed to delight your partners. Then at 9pm, learn Argentine Tango with Angel, same place, same price. Austin has a nice community of Tango dancers who enjoy many recurring venues. Many of the best Tango dancers in the world come to Austin every Thanksgiving for the fabulous Fandango de Tango, and we understand a similar event is planned for Austin this summer. Now is the perfect time to meet new dancers and learn what makes this dance so special, many consider it the ultimate dance experience.

Wednesday, February 4

The fun continues at Uptown Dance as Mike Topel begins a new four-week intermediate West Coast Swing series at 7pm, followed at 8pm by the best and only weekly West Coast Swing dance in Austin. As DJ, Mike includes many nice Hustle selections, plus occasional Country & Western favorites like Two Step. These classes and dances continue to get bigger and better, with new faces every week. Some skilled West Coast Swing dancers are far less experienced with other dances, yet are often delighted to learn they really can enjoy those too with the right leader. Tasty snacks and refreshments help to make this a perfect time to celebrate the midpoint of another great week of dancing in Austin.

Friday - Saturday, February 6 - 7

David & Shelly Vance host the Hill Country Dance Classic in South Austin this Friday and Saturday at the Omni Southpark Hotel, just off I-35 at Ben White Blvd. The fun begins at 7pm Friday night with the VIP Party, open to all who register from 6 to 10pm. A full day of dance competition starts at 9am Saturday morning, including American Rhythm & Smooth, International Standard & Latin, plus Country & Western events. You may also enjoy a fine dinner buffet from 5:30 to 7pm, followed by West Coast Swing and Salsa Jack & Jill contests, Open Amateur Championships, and a Professional Show featuring International Latin Champions Katia Kuznetsova & Cristiano Callegari, and Austin Swing Champions Jake Haning & Taletha Jouzdani, performing West Coast Swing you don't want to miss. It all adds up to a great weekend you're sure to enjoy.

Friday, February 6

No less than four Austin dance studios now offer great social dancing on Friday nights, including Uptown Dance, Go Dance, Dance Institute, and Rhythmic Motion. Studio dances are a great place to meet new dancers and enjoy dancing on a spacious cushioned floor in a comfortable smoke-free nightclub atmosphere. You're more than welcome to BYOB, and enjoy their refreshments and snacks, while seated comfortably at the table of your choice right by the dance floor. It's a very nice way to spend Friday nights, and we hope even more of you join us in supporting the studios that offer so much to Austin dancers.

This Friday night at Uptown Dance, dancers will also enjoy a special West Coast Swing performance by Swing Champions Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson. For a preview of their dancing, see this video from the Americas' Classic championships in Houston.

Saturday, February 7

David Abril & Barbara Lucke host a special Wedding Dance workshop at Go Dance from 11:30am to 1:30pm this Saturday. Space is limited to ten couples and pre-registration is required. This could be a perfect time for you or someone you know to get better prepared for that first big dance together.

Saturday - Sunday, February 7 - 8

San Antonio dancers won't want to miss a nice weekend of West Coast Swing workshops with Mike Topel at the Ballroom Dance Academy just north of NW Loop 410 at 2581 Jackson Keller Rd. The fun begins at 2pm with Footwork Syncopations, followed by Spin Patterns at 3:15, then Line & Form Practice at 4:30. Saturday night features a West Coast Swing Dance with Mike as DJ from 8 to 11pm. The fun continues Sunday afternoon with Musical Interpretation at 1pm, followed by Improvisation Skills at 2:15. For more information, see this flyer [34KB JPG].

Meanwhile back in Austin, Uptown Dance hosts a series of West Coast Swing workshops with Swing Champions Christopher Hussey & Katrina Branson, starting at noon with core fundamentals for building amalgamations. At 1:15, enjoy turns and spins, then at 2:30, learn to create your own amalgamations. At 3:45 their last workshop of the day features fancy, funky, footy things, followed by a social practice hour at 4:45.

The fun continues with Christopher & Katrina on Sunday from noon to 6pm at the Midnight Rodeo in San Antonio with more workshops and social dancing. For a lot more information, see this flyer [200KB GIF].

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.

J&D

James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo
If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:
skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Austin's Free Day of Dance, Jan. 31st, 2009

2009-01-25T10:41:00.001-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

Your time and talents make Dancing in Austin a delightful experience for many more. It just keeps getting better thanks to you. This week promises to be quite extraordinary, with more exciting opportunities to enjoy dancing than we could hardly begin to describe here, plus something truly unique, Austin's first Free Day of Dance this coming Saturday.

Saturday, January 31

Inspired by Go Dance owner, Mylie Arnold, Austin's Free Day of Dance is sponsored by nearly all local studios, including Arthur Murray, Austin Uptown Dance, Dance Institute, Dance International, and Go Dance, each featuring a wide variety of free dance lessons by some of the best instructors anywhere. We want to encourage everyone to spread the word, check out the latest schedule of events on each of their Web sites, and do your part to build the Austin dance community by supporting not only the instructors and studios you already know, but somewhere you may have never been before. Bring someone new who has never danced before. Plan to meet and dance with someone new wherever you go. No one can do it all, and with so much happening all at once, each of us will surely miss a lot, yet together we can make dancing in Austin that much better in the days in weeks to come. Tell those you meet about the kinds of dancing and places you most enjoy, and be sure to find out more about the kinds of dancing they enjoy or would like to try. Make the most of great dancing in Austin this week, and we'll all be glad you did.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.

J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.

Dancing in Austin this Week Jan. 18 - 24

2009-01-18T13:46:00.001-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

We can't thank you enough for helping to make this another great week for dancing in Austin. Make the most of the special events mentioned here, and don't miss all the rest included on our Dancing in Austin calendar.

Sunday, January 18

Today from 3 to 5pm, Country & Western Masters Competitor Sherry Reynolds offers a Country Competition Dance Sampler at Austin Uptown Dance, featuring a newcomer routine in Two Step and Waltz, including competitive styling. Check it out with or without a partner. Video cameras are welcome. Mention you saw it here and get the early bird rate of just $25 for anyone on our subscriber list of Greater Austin Dancers. For more information, see this flyer.

Then from 6 to 9pm, enjoy the special free Student Appreciation Dance at Austin Uptown Dance, including fine food and fellowship, plus all kinds of dancing on their spacious floated bamboo floor.

Wednesday, January 21

Join Mike Topel and dancers from San Antonio and all around Austin for a great midweek party at Austin Uptown Dance. The fun begins at 7pm as Mike leads a fine intermediate West Coast Swing class, including many tips and techniques for successful social dancing. Then at 8pm, Mike serves as DJ for a great night of social dancing, with music expertly selected to enjoy West Coast Swing or Hustle, with occasional Cha Cha and Two Step selections for good measure. This week, ladies are encouraged to bring a special appetizer or dessert to entice even more men to join the fun. It's always a nice crowd and great dancing, so come join in celebrating the midpoint of another great week for dancing.

Thursday, January 22

The Whip Club invites all dancers to enjoy their Open House, featuring a Free West Coast Swing workshop with Carmen Goodman and Vernon Lemens, focusing on Lines and Leans for Musicality and Great Appearance, from 6:30 to 8pm for intermediate and advanced dancers. After the workshop, enjoy a half hour of open dancing, followed by your choice of a beginner class with Mac McAnally, or an intermediate class with Eddie Fann, all at no charge. Dancers may support the club with a six-month membership for $60 by check, cash, or online credit card, or drop in occasionally with a $5 suggested donation. The Whip Club is a great place to develop your skill and pleasure dancing West Coast Swing, and this Open House is sure to be fun, so make time to enjoy dancing with us this Thursday night.

Friday, January 23

We always enjoy dancing on Friday nights with great studio dances at Uptown Dance, Go Dance, Dance Institute, and Rhythmic Motion. Uptown Dance should be especially nice this Friday night with live music by the Rhythm Congress, a fine Swing Band with a very nice repertoire for all kinds of Swing. Band member Terry Armstrong also dances with the Whip Club, so there should be plenty of great Rhythm & Blues for dancing West Coast Swing on one of the best floors in town.

San Antonio dancers may also enjoy a series of Two Step and West Coast Swing workshops with Dave Getty at 7400 Pipers Lane. The fun begins at 7:30 with variations to the three major moves in Texas Two Step, followed at 9pm by cool Two Step patterns from the common "linking" position.

Saturday, January 24

The fun continues with Dave Getty in San Antonio with West Coast Swing variations and extension to the first three major patterns of the dance at 1pm, followed by variations and extensions to the final two major patterns of West Coast Swing at 2:15pm.

Meanwhile back in Austin this Saturday night, Go Dance hosts Winter Fiesta, a multi-genre dance party in all three ballrooms devoted to Argentine Tango, Salsa, plus Country & Western and West Coast Swing. The fun beings at 7pm with a 90 minute intermediate to advanced West Coast Swing workshop with Jake Haning & Taletha Jouzdani, which covers simple yet flashy moves, and includes a personal coaching session with Jake and Taletha in the last 20 minutes. At 7:30, there is also an intermediate to advanced Salsa Styling Workshop with David Abril & Amanda Cardona, which features styling flourishes added to common patterns plus an introduction to basic musicality concepts. Then at 8:30, the dance party begins. You can enjoy the dance by itself for just $5, or stay for the dance right after the workshop at no additional charge. This promises to be a great night for dancing and we hope to see you there.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D

James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.
Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo
If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:
skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week Jan. 11 - 17

2009-01-11T18:45:00.002-06:00

Dancing in Austin this Week

Greater Austin Dancers
We really appreciate all the fine dancers who make each week so nice for Dancing in Austin. Here are some highlights of special events we hope you don't miss.

Sunday, January 11

Today at 4pm Sherry Reynolds leads a special workshop on the FUNdamentals of Partner Dancing at Austin Uptown Dance. Then at 5pm, enjoy Country Waltz 1 with Ellen, or Triple Two 2 with Sherry, followed by C&W and West Coast Swing dancing from 6 to 9pm.
Go Dance also hosts a nice dance tonight, starting with C&W and West Coast Swing at 6:30, and Salsa at 9pm.

Thursday, January 15

At 7pm, West Coast Swing classes make a fresh start for January at the Whip Club after a three-week holiday break. Join Vernon, Mac, & Eddie, plus members and guests for your choice of four levels of instruction offered from 7 to 8pm, or 8:30 to 9:30. First time visitors are always free, and non-members are always welcome to drop in for a suggested $5 donation to the club.

Thursday-Sunday, January 15-18

With Austin's Angel Figueroa as Chief Judge, the Americas' Classic Swing Championships offer dancers a delightful weekend at the Hilton North Houston Hotel. This exciting event features 18 divisions of West Coast Swing competition, plus Jack & Jill contests, numerous dance workshops including one with Benji Schwimmer, a special dance seminar, $30,000 in cash and prizes, and dance parties that last long into night. For a delightful weekend you won't soon forget, make the most of this fun event.

Friday, January 16

Meanwhile back in Austin, dancers enjoy a nice selection of Friday night dance venues. The fun begin at 6pm as Uptown Dance North offers a choice of Jitterbug Swing 1 with Ellen, or West Coast Swing 2 with Sherry, followed at 7pm by a great evening of Country & Western and West Coast Swing dancing, all for just $5. At Go Dance, you can Drop In & Dance with an introduction to Two Step & Country Waltz at 7:30 for just $15, including their $5 dance at 9pm. Dance Institute now offers a Rendevous and Dance, featuring a variety of dance music every Friday night from 7:30 to 10pm for just $10. Call 346-6612 to reserve your table. At 9pm in South Austin, make the most of great dancing at Rhythmic Motion. We hope even more of you support and enjoy smoke-free dancing to great music on a spacious cushioned floor every Friday.

Saturday, January 17

From noon to 2pm, Go Dance offers a special intermediate Nightclub workshop with UCWDC Division I World Champions Richard Dugger & Sarah Berens. One of eight dances in C&W competition, Nightclub is a perfect choice for social dancing to slow romantic music, and also one of our favorites. This workshop establishes and builds on fundamental patterns and movements, enabling you and your partners to reach the next level of dancing pleasure. Having long admired their dancing, we know this will be a delightful afternoon with Richard & Sarah, and hope many of you also get to enjoy it.

Later that evening, join Valerie Ryan at QuickSilver for an Advanced Waltz workshop from 5 to 7pm, followed by an Advanced West Coast Swing workshop from 7 to 9pm, each based on prior classes. Instructor approval and advanced registration are required to help balance the class.

Meanwhile down in South Austin, dancers gather at 6pm for a warm up dance and practice party with Kathleen at Uptown South from 6:30 to 8pm, followed by a special outing to see the Derailers at the Broken Spoke. You're sure to enjoy taking the bar exam with the Derailers in one of the most famous Honky Tonks in America.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.
J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.

Copyright © 2009 J&D Skowbo

If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to: skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week Jan. 4 - 10

2009-01-04T12:01:00.002-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

This promises to be a fantastic week for dancing in Austin, with January classes just starting at most studios and clubs. Your support enables many more to enjoy dancing with us, so let's all do our part to make the most of it. Our online calendar is filled with fun for your dancing pleasure. Here are some highlights we hope you don't miss.

Sunday, January 4

The fun begins today at QuickSilver as Valerie Ryan begins a new four-week Nightclub series from 1 to 3pm, followed by Ballroom Waltz & Foxtrot from 3 to 5pm, both suitable for beginners or more experienced dancers who would like to brush up on the basics. As a fairly young dance, Nightclub quickly evolved by introduction to the C&W competitive circuit, where some of the best dancers in the country developed the technique and styling to greatly enhance the look and feel dancers and spectators most enjoy. Gliding and flowing smoothly to a nice variety of romantic and majestic music, Nightclub has quickly become one of our favorites. The Waltz and Foxtrot class also provides a nice introduction to Ballroom dancing. Open Practice from 5 to 6pm offers all dancers the opportunity to practice anything you like at no charge. Team Practice from 6 to 7pm develops synchronized performance techniques with choreography for optional charitable performances at local nursing homes and senior centers. The studio currently provides opportunities to learn and perform advanced East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Two Step, and Cha Cha, all for just $10 per month.

Sunday evening, you're all invited to enjoy social dancing at Go Dance or Uptown Dance North. The Go Dance Déjà vu Sunday Dance begins with C&W and West Coast Swing at 6:30, transitioning to Salsa at 9pm, including a Salsa lesson at 8:30. At Uptown Dance, the fun begins as 5pm with your choice of Country Waltz 1 with Ellen, or Triple Two 2 with Sherry, followed by C&W and West Coast Swing dancing from 6 to 9pm, all for just $5

Monday, January 5

The fun continues at QuickSilver as Valerie Ryan begins another four-week series of Advanced Two Step from 7 to 9pm. With many new students joining many returning alumni, we anticipate a comprehensive review of intermediate moves before progressing to more advanced material. Another popular feature is the frequent transposition of moves from Two Step to Triple Two Step. For something to look forward to on Mondays, this may be just what you need to start your week off right.

Tuesday, January 6

At 6:30, Mike Topel begins a new four-week Hustle 3 series at Uptown Dance. Open to all who know Hustle basics, this class develops technique and styling with frequent repetition of familiar moves, making social dancing fun with minimal effort to lead or follow.

West Coast Swing dancers should not miss a delightful intermediate class with Swing Champion Angel Figueroa from 8 to 9pm at the Shirley McPhail School of Dance, followed by a basic to intermediate Argentine Tango class from 9 to 10pm at the same studio, just minutes from MoPac. Many of you know Angel as one of the nation's most highly sought instructors, a coach and competitive judge who travels coast to coast most weekends. Greater Austin Dancers have this golden opportunity to enjoy group lessons with Angel without ever getting on an airplane. In addition to improving basic moves with good technique and styling, you will learn a much wider variety of truly unique moves that never fail to bring smiles to your partner and back. Though many advanced dancers make the most of this class, knowing the basics is all you need to fully enjoy it. Try one class for just $15, or take the best deal with a series discount of just $45 for all four classes. Don't let another year or day pass you by. Make dancing with Angel a regular part of your week, and we'll all be smiling.

Wednesday, January 7

At 7pm, West Coast Swing dancers are also going to enjoy a very nice intermediate class with superstar Mike Topel at Uptown Dance, followed at 8pm by the popular weekly West Coast Swing dance. Mike plays a nice variety of music just right for dancing Swing or Hustle, with occasional Cha Cha, Nightclub, or Two Step selections. Even during the holidays, this dance continued to draw a nice turnout, so we know you're going to enjoy this first Wednesday of the New Year at Uptown.

The Whip Club is still on holiday break this week. Salsa dancers should definitely check out the new Salsa Social at Uptown Dance, also on Thursday nights at 9pm for just $5. For just $10 more, you can also enjoy a level 1 or 2 Salsa class there at 8pm.

Friday, January 9

Start your weekend right with a delightful smoke-free studio dance, where you can BYOB and enjoy the company of many fine dancers on a spacious hardwood floor with some of the best dance music in town. At Uptown Dance, the fun begins at 6pm with your choice of Jitterbug Swing 1 with Ellen, or West Coast Swing 2 with Sherry, followed at 7pm by a full night of Country & Western and West Coast Swing dancing. You can also Drop In & Dance at Go Dance, this week featuring Salsa & Merengue at 7:30 for just $15, including the $5 dance at 9pm. We always look forward to dancing on Friday nights, and hope even more of you see for yourselves how much fun it can be.

Saturday, January 10

At 1pm, Taletha Jouzdani offers a special Freestyle Samba workshop with plenty of time to prepare for the Carnaval at the Palmer Events Center on the 31st. Taletha plans to cover footwork and body movements to enhance all your freestyle dancing.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.

J&D

James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.

Copyright © 2008 J&D Skowbo

If you received this newsletter in error or no longer wish to receive it, just reply to this e-mail or send a note with your instructions to:
skowbo@sbcglobal.net

Dancing in Austin this Week, Dec. 28-Jan. 2

2008-12-28T08:11:00.003-06:00

Greater Austin Dancers,

We hope you thoroughly enjoy another great holiday week with family and friends, including these special opportunities to enjoy Dancing in Austin.

Sunday, December 28

With most Austin dance studios closed for the holidays, you can still enjoy QuickSilver Open Practice at 5pm today. Last week, a very nice turnout encouraged us to extend the festivities until 7pm, when the Scottish dancers arrived for more fun of a different variety. Come early and stay as long as you like for all kinds of dance music by request, free of charge to all dancers, friends, and visitors.

Wednesday, December 31

There are at least three great New Year's Eve Parties this week, so let's all do our part to collectively make the most of it. At 9pm, hosts Carson & Kristy Watson start the festivities at Austin Uptown Dance with champagne on ice, tempting treats, party favors, a balloon drop at midnight, and great dance music all night long. The evening includes a nice variety of professional performances, including Tango with Randy Ferguson & Kristy Watson, Salsa with David Cantu & Ellen Wilcox, Foxtrot with Carson & Kristy Watson, and Waltz with Randy Ferguson & Carolyn Sloan, Dress to feel fabulous, and feel free to BYOB. Admission is just $30 per person at the door, with guaranteed table seating for all.

Also starting at 9pm, dancers at Go Dance are sure to enjoy scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, party favors, a champagne toast, a balloon drop at midnight, and three ballrooms filled with music just right for dancing Salsa, Country & Western, and West Coast Swing. Admission is just $29 with advance purchase required by Monday, December 29.

The Dance Institute opens at 8:30 with social dancing at 9pm, plus a ballroom performance by Olga Curd & Curtis Prevost, National Senior Smooth Champions for 2008. Though no alcohol is served, you must be 21 or better to attend, and all are welcome to BYOB. Suggested attire is cocktail formal, with jacket or black tie optional. A $10 discount for Austin Ballroom Dancers suggests music will favor ballroom dancing. Regular admission is $40 at the door.

As we celebrate our 34th Wedding Anniversary at Uptown Dance this New Year's Eve, we wish you all a Happy New Year, and encourage everyone to enjoy dancing often, with generous support for all the fine studios and instructors who enrich our lives with great dancing in Austin.

Friday, January 2
Go Dance hosts a free Open House this Friday night, including Two Step at 6:30, Swing at 7:15, and Salsa at 8pm. Current students are invited to enjoy free mini-workshops in these same dances while your friends take the introductory classes next door.

Austin Uptown Dance is also hosting an Open House at both the North and South studios with free introductory lessons, starting with Two Step at 6:30pm, Swing at 7:15, and Salsa at 8pm.

This newsletter just hits the highlights of a few special occasions for dancing in Austin each week. There is so much more to see and do, we could hardly begin to describe it all here, so we do our best to pack it all into our Dancing in Austin calendar. The top of that page offers a few navigation buttons. One links to our list of Greater Austin Dancers, showing who subscribes to our weekly e-mail , and highlighting recent events or special occasions. Many dancers want their name linked to an e-mail address so other dancers can contact them directly, which we gladly do, yet only by request. We also forward the occasional message to dancers whose addresses are not linked and remain strictly confidential. The Danced button takes you to archives of calendar entries for weeks gone by. Subscribers can also browse e-mail archives for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008. The Places button links to brief descriptions of places to dance, including clubs, nightclubs, bars, and studios, with directions and links to Web sites and maps. The Updates button opens an e-mail window, so you can request updates to our list of dancers, calendar of events, or anything else we do.

Come join the fun, dancing in Austin this week.

J&D
James is a Web developer consultant now actively engaged in full-time work.

Dolores is a personal trainer and instructor in Pilates, fitness and nutrition.

Copyright © 2008 J&D Skowbo