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September News
- Author:
- Phillip Stephens (713-266-0066 | philtex44@aol.com)
- Date Published:
- September 8, 2011
September Ushers in Cooler Weather
Although it's still extremely dry and it seems that half of Texas has been on fire lately, we are finally experiencing a bit of relief from our record string of 100-and-higher degree weather. Hopefully, we will soon get a break on the drought and will get some much-needed rain.
Classes
The September classes have gotten underway. It's not too late to join them, but you should try to do that by next week. For a complete schedule, check out www.the-dance-place.com and click on our schedule/calendar. Once you get the calendar open, clicking on any class listed will provide more informatin about that class, and will also enable you to register online by following the proper link.
We have started the 7pm Wednesday First Steps class again, so be sure and check that one out. It's a great place to get started on the road to success in dance, and is also a great "reminder" class for people who haven't danced in a while and want to review some of the basics.
Samba Line Dance
It was suggested that we revamp our Friday Night Samba Line Dance and include a version of it in our Annual Christmas Show. We decided to do just that, and have a class scheduled to start in October. Right now, we are planning to hold classes on October 5, 12, 19 & 26, November 9, 16 & 30 and Dec 7 & 14. We will also have an extra run-through or two, one most likely on Friday, Dec 16 and one during the day sometime on Saturday, December 17. This class was originally scheduled to occur at 9pm but has been moved to 8pm. The fees for this class will include a ticket to the show and the class rehearsals. If you aren't sure if you can do this routine, but think you'd like to, then come on in for the first rehearsal and see how it goes. Fancy costumes are not required. We will just wear bright colored clothing and we will definitely have a ball performing this light and lively dance. For further details, contact Phillip Stephens via philtex44@aol.com
Appel West Coast Swing Dance
David Appel will host another of his fantastic West Coast Swing dances at The Dance Place on Saturday, September 17. The dance will start at 8:30pm and run until 12 midnight. As always, David provides some super music with a great mix of traditional favorites and the latest hits. He also slips in the occasional 2-step, Waltz or Polka to change the mood a bit and keep the C&W lovers happy. Costs are $5 for juniors, $10 for adults and dance teachers get in free. See ya on September 17!
Remembering 9/11
Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. We ask that everyone take a few moments to reflect on all that happened on that terrible day, and to be thankful that, as a nation, we have been able to overcome those adversities and become even stronger. Let's also remember all those people whose lives were lost or whose lives were forever altered by events over which they had no control and that were perpetrated by people who hated them for no other reason than that they existed. Let's also pray that all people everywhere can learn simply to live and let live.
Red Hot Ballroom
Every year, Houston USA Dance presents a dance gala that features performances by some of the best talent in the city and that also gives dance lovers the opportunity to enjoy dancing to live music. The Kit Reid Band will be providing the outstanding musical entertainment this year, and the program will be held at the Chandelier Ballroom (SPJST Lodge #88) at 1435 Beall Street, from 8pm until 12 midnight on Saturday, October 22, 2011. For further information about this exciting event, please contact Margaret Daffin at 713-782-3056.
USA Dance also hosts a super dance on the 2nd Saturday of each month. This activity is held at The Dance Place, and will occur this weekend - September 10 - with a fun class at 8pm and the dance will follow from 9pm until 12 midnight.
Studio Dances
Except for major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve, The Dance Place hosts a Friday Night Practice Party every week from 8-10pm on Firdays. Cost is $5 per person. You get to practice what you've learned on your lessons in a somewhat controlled situation and you also have a few professionals on hand to help you out if you get in a bind over something you can't quite recall about a step or dance. Come on over and check out all the friendly people who attend these dances every Friday. You'll be made to feel very welcome, and you'll end up with a whole new set of friends with an interest in dance in common.
Helping Hands
We don't have all the details in order just yet, but we feel that it is important that we all band together to try and help all the folk who are losing all they have to those terrible fires burning all over the state. We are looking into various organizations through which to make donations and will welcome suggestions from any of our readers - just send them to philtex44@aol.com so we can look over the pertinent information and make an informed choice. If you want to contribute money, clothing, food, shoes, etc, please let us know. We are going to set up some sort of collection area and will then make arrangements to get the money and other items to the appropriate people. Although there have been some terrible losses, one that I heard of stands out in my mind: A husband and wife who are both firefighters were fighting to save homes, barns, cars, lives, etc, and their own home was completely consumed by fire. Those of us who are having to put up with a bit of smoke and haze in the atmosphere have no idea of what it's like to lose everything we possess to a mindless fire, and we just want to extend some helping hands to the people who are losing all they've worked for and will have to start over from scratch. We thank you all in advance for your help with this project.
Roger Mitzel
We are sad to relate that, after a period of time in the hospital, Roger Mitzel passed away due to complications brought on by diabetes. Roger had been a fixture around The Dance Place for many years. He had performed in some of our shows, had competed in various competitions, and had partnered with several different ladies from the Houston area. Roger was on life support and, when it became clear to him that he would not get better, he requested that it all be disconnected. After that, his condition declined rapidly and he passed away early in the day on Sunday, August 28, 2011. We will miss you, Roger.
Happy Dancing
and remember
www.the-dance-place.com is also www.theplace2dance.com
