MARIPOSA – Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a good time, as two ballroom events – one in Oakhurst and one in Mariposa – are coming to the mountain area in January.
On Friday, Jan. 10, the Elks Lodge Oakhurst will host their monthly dinner and dance, open to anyone who likes to “cut a rug.”
Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and costs $12. Dancing begins at 7 p.m. with 30 minutes of dance instruction for $10, followed by open dancing to live music. The cost for dinner and dancing, together, is discounted to $20 per person.
The dinner and dance held on Friday, Dec.13 had guests moving to the sounds of Larkspur (Kirk and Monica).
“It was a huge success,” enthuses ballroom dancer and local realtor Ed Bailey. “Lori Landrin and Eric Hagen taught a Swing class with some 20 couples. Later in the evening Robin Wagers taught us some line dancing. John and Tish Harris gave a beautiful Tango demonstration. A good time was had by all!”
The team of Harris and Harris will teach Tango at the next dance on Jan. 10. “Come and learn,” says Bailey. “It’s great fun!” The Elks Lodge holds dinner dances on the second Friday of each month. Call 559-683-2717 for reservations. The Elks Lodge is located at 42484 Highway 41 in Oakhurst.
Tish Harris is also the contact for the other big ballroom event, this one being staged in Mariposa on the third Saturday of each month.
The Bootjack Stompers Hall will be alive with big band sounds starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Admission is $6 per person and dance styles will include waltz, foxtrot, rumba, cha cha, mambo, swing and tango.
If that sounds intriguing but intimidating, fear not: lessons are available by appointment. For more information contact Tish at (559) 683-6540. The Bootjack Stompers Hall is located across the street from the Mariposa Fairgrounds.
In the meantime, when you’re thinking of new year’s resolutions, take Ed Bailey’s advice and “keep dancing – it’s fun and it’s healthy!”
