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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2018 41 Let's Dance Heart & Soul Line Dance What exactly is soul line dancing? The simplest explanation is that it is line dancing to a variety of music although mostly R&B and hip-hop songs. Soul line dancing will be done to salsa, gospel, rock & roll, and country music. You've been to a party, and seen those group dances — the electric slide, the cha, cha slide, the cupid shuffle, and the wobble. Notice how the participants seem to magically know the choreography and do these mob-style dance routines at parties, picnics, and weddings. But soul line dancing goes deeper. Many soul line devotees — the majority of whom are African American — take classes, attend socials and even travel together in line-dancing groups. For many of them, the dancing brings a cultural connection that traces its roots to Africa and the Caribbean. Such synchronized movements were a staple of the Harlem Renaissance and have recurred again and again through the decades at sock hops, disco soul lines and choreographed hip-hop dance routines. The dance floor becomes an equalizer: It doesn't matter where you come from, how much you make, how old or young you are or whether you know the steps. You just get out there and lean on your fellow dancers. The crowd protects you. And if you don't get it the first time, you have a chance to do it all over again at the end of the sequence, when everyone turns to the next wall. And, the best thing about line dancing is that you don't need a partner to get out on the dance floor. Everyone benefits from exercise, and line dancing is so much fun, it doesn't seem like exercise. It's a great stress-buster; it's liberating. At almost any line dance class you will find that there are several dances suitable for people with limited mobility. I read a report that said that people who line dance could possibly live an extra 10 years. This may or may not be true, but it's certainly something to consider. Come join us on Wednesdays beginning at 4 pm. I guarantee a good time! Need more information, please feel free to call me, Priscilla, at (909) 239-6464. ~ Priscilla Robles Our group has had great fun at the last two sock hops. Since we play a variety of music, many spouses commented on how much they enjoyed being able to dance. Our next dance is Aug. 16. Think about joining us to see what all the fun is about. It is time for another very beginners class from 2:15 to 3 pm every Tuesday in May in the Ballroom. This is for very beginners only and you must attend each class to go on to the next class. Line dancing is taught by steps. You learn different steps each week along with a dance that includes those steps. After four weeks learning basic steps, you will realize those steps are in other dances, just in a different order. If you have taken the class before and know the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle, but need to repeat the other classes, you are welcome to join us in weeks two through four. Please wear shoes that will slide on the wood floor and bring water with you. I am a volunteer instructor who lives in our community. I do not charge for teaching others to line dance. However, I do ask for a $1 donation per class, which goes towards the year-end party. The intermediate and advances classes continue to learn new dances and advance their skills. There are so many line dances, we could learn new ones every week. However, to remember them you must practice at home, not just in class. If this is something on your bucket list, come give it a try and join in the fun. Info., Martha Franck, (951) 769-3889. ~ Martha Franck Line Dancing Mark your calendars – we are happy to announce our Summer Fun Dinner and Dance will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, in the Ballroom. More details to follow. The dancers of Let's Dance! are really enjoying our new schedule, which covers one full hour of lessons for newcomers and beginners and another hour for intermediate and advanced. The feedback from our beginners has been very positive and exciting, They feel they are really learning more and gaining confidence faster. Also the more experienced dancers are moving along at a challenging pace. Come mingle with a great group of people and give dancing a try! The dance for May is Waltz and Viennese Waltz. The Waltz is a lovely traditional and easy ballroom dance. It is a graceful dance characterized by its rise and fall, and distinctive lilting three beats. The Waltz has flowing slow movements that couples enjoy, almost floating around the ballroom floor. Whereas, the Viennese waltz is faster paced and has a few distinctive techniques that make it easy to dance this delightful twirling dance. Plan to join us in the Ballroom on Monday nights from 6 to 7 pm, for newcomers and beginners and from 7 to 8 pm for intermediate and advanced. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, contact Puring or Gary Stifter at (951) 922-8333, or purings@verizon. net. ~ Sue Condurachi

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