Baby, It's Classic

Sapphire Ballroom News - September 2022

There are so many considerations that go into creating our schedule (days, times, venues, staffing), it is just about impossible to declare (and stick to) a theme. Which is why it’s so cool when the themes happen on their own - like for some reason the cosmos is in the mood for retro music. Let's just go ahead and blame it on Top Gun 2.

This month, our two biggest events are both centered around classic rock and vintage pop music. The Dance Night Dance Class (DNDC) on Sept 27 is all about Classic Rock and two dances that work beautifully with that genre. The Dance Party on Sept 10 is all about the Vinyl - that includes Motown, 80’s Pop, British Invasion, Disco Fever, and Classic Rock. So, “put on your red shoes” and “come dancing.” I kind of see a theme emerging for next month too - something along the lines of Latin Polka. ;^)

Remember, you can keep up with all our news on Facebook at Facebook.com/SapphireBallroom and Instagram at Instagram.com/SapphireBallroom. We are also working to improve our presence on Twitter at Twitter.com/DanceAtSapphire.

Dancers at Nesselrod On The New
August 14, 2022

Thanks to everyone who came out to our first ever Swinging on the New! It was a wonderful location and a great crop of new dancers. We had a blast meeting, teaching, and dance with all of you and hope to see you again soon!
Click the image for a closer look.

In this issue...

Sapphire’s Masking Policy - Yep, they are required again, at least for this week

Vinyl Vibe Dance Party - Come party like it’s 1979 this Saturday, Sept

Sapphire goes Retro, way retro - We’re gonna Party like it’s 1799 on Tuesday, Sept 13

New! Musical themes for the DNDCs this fall - Adding more spice to your date night with music themes - Classic Rock and Country are the first ones on the schedule

Dancing on the New - Back at Nesselrod On The New for another lovely afternoon with lovely people dancing

What is Cha Cha? Last month we talked about East and West Coast Swing, this month we’re going to meet a Latin dance classic

Upcoming Classes & Events
 

Sapphire’s Masking Policy

We base our masking requirements on CDC recommendations. When they rate Montgomery County at High on their scale of Low/Medium/High, masks are required in the studio. Ratings are updated Thursday evenings and you can find them here: COVID-19 by County | CDC. Masks will return to “encouraged” once Montgomery County is listed at Medium or Low for an entire week.

As of Sept 6, when I’m writing this newsletter, the county rating is at High. So, masks are required in the studio and (even if we get downgraded) will be required at least until Sept 15. That includes the Dance Party this Saturday. I’m sorry, it sucks, no one likes it, but that’s what it is.

Because things can change the day before a Friday Workshop, we encourage you to stick your favorite mask in your pocket before heading to the studio, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. We also keep disposable masks on hand, ready to share.

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Vinyl Vibe Dance Party

Saturday, Septemer 10
We're gonna party like it's 1979 !

Remember when you bought all your music on vinyl? OK - some of you remember that, the rest of you are laughing at me right now. It’s ok. Let me tell you, some of the best music ever was originally available on records (LPs and 45s), and we’re going to celebrate it.

Join us THIS Saturday, Sept 10, to dance the night away, starting with a beginner friendly West Coast Swing lesson. Curious about this super popular dance style? Here’s your chance to try it out!

So get ready to "Come Dancing," "put on your red shoes and dance the blues", as we remember "dance hall days". Just "save the last dance" for your sweetheart! (Masks are required at this event.)

Please register in advance by replying to this email or visiting our online store at SapphireBallroom.Square.site.

More details available at SapphireDance.com/SocialEvents.php and SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php.

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Sapphire Goes Retro - Waaaay Retro

Tuesday, September 13, etc.
English Country Dance Returns to Sapphire
(We're gonna party like it's 1799!)

The NRV Historic Dance Society is coming back to Sapphire this month! Join these friendly, silly people for an evening learning the dances done in the time of George Washington and Jane Austin.

Starting Sept 13, on the second Tuesday of the month, our own dancing Debbi will teach English Country Dancing. These evenings will include both authentically historic dances and contemporary dances done in the flavor of those golden years.

English Country Dance is a form of Social dance which originated in England in the 17th century and was danced throughout the American Colonies during that period. This dance style holds the roots of both modern Square Dance and Contra Dancing as well as being a major influence in Appalachian group dances.

Join the English Country Dancers of the New River Valley Historic Dance Society for an evening of laughter, dance, and good company while learning dances new to us, but old as the 13 Colonies. Beginners, groups, singles, and families are always welcome. Every dance will be taught by being broken down into simple components and cued while dancing. If you can walk, you can dance, and we'd love to have you dance with us.

More details, as well as online registration at SapphireDance.com/SocialEvents.php and SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php.

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New! Musical themes for the DNDCs this fall

Tuesday, September 26, etc.
Date Night Dance Classes in Blacksburg. Adding more spice to your date night!

We are changing our Date Night Dance Classes to target your favorite music.

No matter what music you like to listen to, I'm sure we can find a dance for you. And now the DNDCs, a series of 2hour-1night workshops hosted at the Blacksburg Community Center, are targeting specific music styles. We started last Wednesday, August 31 with a Latin Night featuring both Salsa and Rumba - fast and sassy as well as slow and romantic.

The next few DNDCs will be...
All About Classic Rock - Tuesday, Sept 27 featuring Triple Time Swing and Nightclub 2-Step
Awesome Country Music - Wednesday, Oct 12 featuring Country Two-Step and Rumba.

More details, as well as online registration at SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php.

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Dancing on the New

Sunday, Oct 2
Dancing on the New - Sign up today!

Our first collaboration with Nesselrod on the New last month was a wonderful success! Both beginner and advanced Swing workshops sold out, and even though it was mid August, the afternoon was cool and comfy on their spacious pavilion. A little rainy, but no problem. To see pictures, visit us on Instagram.

We are going back to Nesselrod on October 2nd for another Sunday afternoon of lessons and social dancing. We are thinking maybe Single Time Swing again, and adding either style: Rumba or Salsa. What do you think? We'd love your input. Registration will be open by next week. Watch our Webpage, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for announcements - the August dance sold out!

Because this event is outdoors - the definition of well-ventilated - masks are not required. And because it's sheltered, rain shouldn't be a problem either. Unless it's actually dancerous to get there- like a hurricane. The floor is smooth concrete - it was splendid for my second best pair of dance shoes. It's the perfect outdoor venue for us!

More details, as well as online registration at SapphireDance.com/SocialEvents.php and SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php.

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What is Cha Cha?

I'm trying something new in this newsletter - I'm going to try to fix you up on a blind date with a new dance style.

If you’re already friends with Cha Cha, I'm sure you'll attest to its sparkling personality and reliable rhythm.

For those of you who haven't met yet, Cha Cha is a break-based Latin dance done to medium speed music of a bunch of different genres including Latin, alternative, classic rock, country, and modern pop. Its music overlaps with several dance styles like Hustle, Rumba, and West Coast Swing, even some Tangos.

Cha Cha features a triple step, which makes it a little bit complicated. But those three little steps give you the freedom to accomplish things which just wouldn’t happen in Salsa or Rumba.

The secret to mastering this spunky dance? Start with and stick to basic figures until the rhythm is in your bones. The good news is that you can have a pretty fun, interesting, and cool dance with just a few moves, so you won’t get bored while waiting for rhythm assimilation.

I love Cha Cha - it's my favorite dance for dancing with people who are better than me. I find I can keep up with all kinds of antics, and get back on beat quickly when I fall off. I also really like the music which ranges from Patti LaBelle to Shawn Mendes to Reba McEntire to Muse.

Go check out our playlist of fun Cha Chas on YouTube.com: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGEmFFdzKkkb9bZVG1bLxceU6lSSRiwxB

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Cha Cha vs Salsa:
similar but not...

Cha Cha and Salsa are both break-based Latin dances that have a lot in common. I heard once that Cha Cha became a dance when Salsa dancers were bored with slower music. I have no idea if it's true, but it makes sense. Many of their fundamantal steps are obviously related: add a couple of steps in the right place to a Salsa Cross Body Lead and you have a Cha Cha Cross Body Lead.

Cha Cha Music is slower than Salsa Music, which lends itself to more lateral movement.

Salsa is also a music genre, which influences the character of the dance.

Although you will occasionally find some motions work better in one or the other, these two dances are more alike than not.

Next time you go dancing, try doing something you learned in Salsa with a triple step instead of a slow. You'll end up with more stuff to do to more kinds of music, with very little effort.

Upcoming Events & Dance Classes

Events are hosted by Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center: online, at our studio in Christiansburg, at the Blacksburg Community Center, or other local venues. Please check locations before traveling!

All Group Lessons have a maximum limit. To prevent being turned away from a full class, please register by or before noon the day of the class by emailing us at info@SapphireDance.com or contacting the Blacksburg Community Center.

All group events and lessons cost $6-$15/person/hour. Visit our Square Store to pay online for classes and private lessons.

More information available on our webpage or Facebook page.

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Thanks for reading; we hope you found something you liked.
Until we see you again, happy dancing!

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