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16 | OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2026 | Summer Nights is the theme of another great night of dancing under the stars on Aug. 8, when Doo Wop party-goers head to the Lanai for the sounds of Boogie Express. Put on your short shorts, tank tops, cool summer dresses, and anything short (pardon the pun) of swimsuits for this smokin' good time. One of Doo Wop's most popular bands, Boogie Express, provides music that covers classic rock, country, swing, oldies, blues and contemporary. I have personally reviewed the five-piece band's playlist for this party and guarantee you will love it! For last month's Hawaiian party, once again, music by Gone Blonde kept the dance f loor packed and rockin'. Members and guests selected colorful leis upon arrival at the Lanai to complement their muumuus, grass skirts and Reyn Spooner and Tommy Bahama shirts. We'll have one last party this season in the Lanai – the annual boot-scootin' Western-themed event on Sept. 18, featuring the return of the popular Buckleys. Be sure to mark your calendars for Sept. 18, as well as for Oct. 31. Of course, that's Halloween, but it's also the date we were able to book for the October party in Abravanel Hall, where ghosts and goblins will dance to the sounds of Big Revenge. On Nov. 21 Cool Rush will entertain at the festive holiday-themed party in the Hall. Another important date in November is Sat., Nov. 7 — the annual election party that will launch the holiday season. We'll be pouring FREE wine and FREE beer and providing FREE food at this event from 4 to 6 pm in Abravanel Hall. So please come, and in the meantime, consider running for the 2027 Board of Directors. You'll meet great people and have lots of fun! There's still time to sign up for the party Aug. 8. Just drop off your checks at the Clubhouse – the earlier the better. Members, $19, guests, $24. Check-in is at 5:30 pm and the band plays until 9 pm. BYOE. See you on the dance f loor. Written by Tom Harwood, Doo Wop President Doo Wop e History of Line Dancing in America Line dancing has become one of America's favorite ways to get people of all ages out on the dance floor. With everyone performing the same steps in unison, it's easy to learn, fun to watch, and brings people together — no partner required. We have our own history of line dance here at OHCC with Christine Alesiani teaching since 2008 and the number of residents enjoying line dance continues to grow especially in the Level one class. Although group dances have existed for centuries stemming from folk dances in Europe and Africa, modern American line dancing began to take shape in the 1970s. Country and western dance halls across the Southwest popularized choreographed dances that anyone could join. As country music grew in popularity, so did line dancing. Movies like Urban Cowboy (1980) introduced western dancing to a national audience, inspiring dance clubs and community classes across the country. During the 1980s and 90s, line dancing exploded in popularity. Country artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus encouraged fans to learn dances like the "Achy Breaky," while choreographers created routines for music in many styles. One of the most recognizable American line dances is the Electric Slide. Choreographed in 1976 by Ric Silver for the song Electric Boogie by Marcia Griffiths, the dance became a nationwide sensation in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Today, the Electric Slide is a tradition at weddings, family reunions, school dances, and community celebrations bringing guests of all ages together in dance. Line dancing has broken stereotypes and continues to grow beyond its country roots. Today's playlists feature everything from classic country hits to pop, Latin, and contemporary music, with new dances being created every year. The use of social media such as Tik Tok has exposed a younger generation to line dance. More than just a dance, line dancing is a celebration of community. It provides exercise, improves balance and coordination, and creates an opportunity to socialize. Class Schedule & Fees (Abravanel Hall): • Level 1: Tuesday, 10:30–11:30 am, $5 • Level 2: Monday, 12:30–2 pm, $7 • Level 3: Tuesday, 12–1:30 pm, $10 New participants are always welcome! You're invited to attend up to two classes (with the class fee) before deciding to join the club. Annual membership is $10. For questions or more information, please contact Drora Oren at (801) 673-0140. Written by Jane Pimentel with AI help, Line Dance Club Publicity Director Line Dancers