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14 | OHCC LIVING | OCTOBER 2022 | Joanne Mazur wrote the following poem shortly before our last show. It expresses the joy we find in dance. DANCE, DANCE, DANCE The Dance Troup takes us to a magical place. Where we are transformed into elegance and grace. Where a blackbird can become a swan, Where the darkness turns into dawn. Tap, Hawaiian, Ballet, Belly, Ballroom or Jazz. It all has the feeling of Razzmatazz. When music and dance are in harmony, It becomes a symphony. Choreographed to the count of eight. Don't look at the floor, hold your head straight. In the kick line, point your toes, Concentrate, and forget your woes. Ready 5,6,7,8. My count was just a little late. I get support from my pals. I look to them when all else fails. Practice and practice until it's right. I trudge through this with all my might. Sometimes I fumble and sometimes I stumble. I pick myself up, it keeps me humble. It's the lure of the music to the dance. It's like the aura of a new romance. It's where Diamonds, Rubies, and Pearls all become one, And we dance our tootsies off, but we have fun. I received my costume, and I am all ado. What size is this? It feels like a two. Viewing myself in the mirror, This is causing holy terror. Bring up the curtain and let the music play. Ball Change or Maxi Ford, we're in the fray. Our Troupe will be beautiful and all aglow. It's going to be an awesome show. It is the perfect time for you to join us in one or more of our classes. You can learn the elements of dance in a fun and easy atmosphere. If you are interested in tap or jazz, please contact us at ohccdancetroupe@gmail.com. If you are interested in Hawaiian dancing, please contact Valerie Thompson at valgene2@cox.net. If you are interested in belly dancing, please contact Sharon Lair at (760) 822-2670. And to join our new ballet class, please contact Nancy Trimino at nymauistyle@aol.com Ocean Hills Dance Troupe Ballroom Dance Our October dance will be on Fri., Oct. 14 in Abravanel Hall from 7 to 9:45 pm. We will dance to music provided by our member, DJ Tai Lien. We will be setting up for tables of eight. The cost is $8/member and $10/non-member. Checks are due by Fri., Oct. 7. Our monthly dances are on the second Friday of the month from 7 to 9:45 pm. (The times will vary for dinner dances.) The dance music is typically provided by a live band although we will be using recorded music for the next few months. The weekly dance lessons have resumed. They are held each week on Wednesdays. Beginner lessons are at 2 pm and Intermediate lessons are at 3 pm in Abravanel Hall. Cost is $10 for both members and non-members. You can pay at the door by cash or check. (Reservations are not required, just come.) Singles are welcome. For October, the Beginner lessons feature East Coast Swing. The Intermediate lessons feature West Coast Swing. East Coast Swing traces its roots to Lindy Hop (also called Jitterbug). It was originally danced in the 1920s and 1930s to big band music. In the 1940s it became a ballroom dance called Eastern Swing that eventually was changed to be called, East Coast Swing. It is a fun, upbeat, non-progressive dance that is characterized by its bounce, back break (rock step), and swing hip action. East Coast Swing is best suited to being danced to the 1950s rock and roll style of music. West Coast Swing also traces its roots to Lindy Hop although it evolved later than East Coast Swing in the 1940s. This was toward the end of the big band era when some dancers moved to smaller spaces and began dancing to slower blues music. West Coast Swing is smooth (no bounce) and is danced in a slot. It can be danced to a wide range of music including rhythm and blues, soul, and country western music that has slower tempos that the East Coast Swing music. The Practice Parties have also resumed. They are held on Mondays, weekly in Abravanel Hall from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Experienced OHCC dancers review Wednesday's lessons and provide help upon request. You can practice your dancing to a variety of ballroom music. The party is FREE, just drop in. These parties are open to all residents of OHCC and guests of members. The annual membership dues for the Ballroom Dance Club are $10. With this membership you will receive regular emails describing club activities as well as discounts for dances and lessons. To join, just drop your check off at the front desk. Indicate your email address(s) on the check.

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