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July: bringing us closer to normal? |
Sapphire Ballroom News - July 2020 |
This month is starting with a boom, and it’s not slowing down.
With the progressive opening up of the state, we are starting to offer in-person options along with several on-line classes. If you’re game, it’s time to venture outwards!
If you’re not sure about dancing in person yet, we’ve still got you covered. Friday Beginner Workshops, Saturday Morning Shag, and Line Dancing are all still available online as well as advanced workshops and private lessons.
We are trying to update our webpage to reflect all the new options, but it’s still a work in progress. So, if you see anything confusing, please let us know!
We are taking a break this weekend to enjoy some grilling and drive-up fireworks, but after that, I hope to see you on the dance floor (virtual or “for reals”).
July: Closer to “normal”?
October is the new June, wedding-wise
Hot Summer Playlist
July Dance Classes
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July: Closer to "Normal"? |
Well, my friends, it’s been hard to come up with a plan that is even close to coherent for our summer programs, classes, and lessons, but we’ve got something. Call it “solid” for July, and still a work-in-progress for August. Time, date, cost, and login details are available in the Coming Up section (below) and on our webpage (which is under renovation, so be patient with it and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you can’t find what you’re looking for).
Our general plan is to continue offering all studio-based classes on-line with some select classes also having a few people in person as well. In-person classes will have a strict maximum enrollment, so we’re really encouraging early registration. In-person classes will cost what they did pre-virus, and all pre-paid packages are still good, whether or not expiration dates have passed.
Some highlights from our July Schedule:
No classes July 3-6. It’s a holiday - go grill something.
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 Group Classes at the Blacksburg Community Center begin July 7 and July 8.
We’ve got a full schedule of group classes starting at the Blacksburg Community Center: Hustle on Tuesday, July 7 and Rumba on Wednesday, July 8, both at 6:00pm. There is a 10 person maximum for these classes - so register with the town ahead of time!
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 Friday Beginner Workshops will be celebrating the sizzle of summer by focusing on Salsa, all July!
This is the perfect time to try something new, so we are going to focus on one dance for an entire month in the FBWs instead of our usual variety of popular dances. If you like it, we might try the same thing next month. Each class stands on it’s own - drop in any time!
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 Experienced Fox Trotters should join in the Fox Trot Flash Mob to Orange Colored Sky on Mondays at 8pm.
The What’s Next Workshops will feature 3 nights of choreography that, when you put it together will make a complete, orange colored, purple striped, pretty green polka dot routine to Natalie Cole’s Orange Colored Sky.
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Swing Technique classes by Jen (Special Guest Instructor) - Jazzing Up the Rock Step Jazzes Up Everything.
More WNW fun is in store when former Sapphire instructor, Jen Gorce, returns (online) and ramps up our East Coast Swing - Single and Triple Time.
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 Line Dancing will be in studio and online, Now on Tuesdays!
Join Lisa Tuesday, July 21, for the first in-person Line Dance Class since February. Max in-person attendance of 11, but online space is unlimited! Early registration by email will be required to attend in person.
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 Liz continues Saturday Morning Shag classes through the month.
What a great way to start your weekend! Learn to Shag online, with or without a partner, no experience required. Each class stands alone - drop in anytime!
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 Maggie and Pierce are teaching a Date Night Dance Class on Saturday, Aug 1 (online and in-person).
This class is perfect for new couples who just want to dance with each other, no matter what the occasion.
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And online private lessons are still incredibly cheap - only $100 for 4 lessons. That’s less than half the standard price for private lessons. (This price is going to go up soon - Don't miss out!)
There is no reason to wait. Let’s get dancing.
Please note: any in-person event might become on-line-only if things change with COVID-19. Anyone who has registered will be notified if this occurs.
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October is the new June, wedding-wise |
 Over the last few years, we have noticed a trend at Sapphire - June is not the “coolest” month to get married any more. More and more often people are choosing fall months to start their happily-ever-after. Our gorgeous foliage, beautiful mountains, and generally mild fall weather make a lovely backdrop for any special occasion. Put a stunning white dress in front of it and … sigh … perfection.
 Whether you were on the autumn bandwagon already, or your plans had to change, we can help you feel confident, relaxed, and happy about your first dance, instead of stressing about all those people watching you. Here are just a few things your instructor can help you with:
- choosing a song (if needed) and the perfect dance style to go with it....
- making a grand entrance (if that’s your style)...
- achieving that polished, confident, not “too rehearsed” look (we all want that, right?)...
- and finishing with a sweet, final pose that will have you, your photographer, and all your guests grinning from ear to ear.
Whether you’re looking for simple and understated or dramatic and non-traditional, Sapphire can help you with that and everything in the middle. Check out our bridal page for answers to lots of common questions and details about several different options for lessons, online or in-person.
Any of these options will give you valuable, individual time with your instructor. Most couples spend the majority of their time on their “first dance” but you also have the opportunity to sample other dance styles as well, just for fun. Learning a second dance style, say a fast one if you’ve already started a slow one, can help keep you grooving on the dance floor for your entire reception (and all through your happily-ever-after).
 When should you start? It’s really up to you. Most people plan to start their lessons a few months before their wedding, and we surely appreciate a week or so to get you scheduled before your first lesson. You may want to add a bit of buffer time, in case you need to travel or cancel for whatever reason.
But if you just realized you want to take lessons and your wedding is only a week or two away, we can still help! We’ll do our best to get you into as many lessons as you want on your time frame.
Really, there’s no reason to wait: it’s never too early to get started! Contact us to schedule your first lesson: info@sapphiredance.com or 540-382-8782.
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Hot Summer Playlist |
After what felt like a very long, cold, wet, dark spring, we have finally hit some streaks of hot, sunny weather! It’s too late to help my spring vegetable garden, but not too late to help my mental state. So, here’s a playlist all about the glory of heat. (I’ve already started one for next month about cool and ice, for when we’re looking for a break from the heat. ;-D )
These playlists keep growing. If you have a song to contribute, let me know! And check back occasionally to see what new videos have been added.
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This song first hit our radar in Napoleon Dynamite when he dances in front of his classmates.
Then it found a permanent place in our heart when Sapphire performed our first 4-Count Hustle Routine to it in 2013.
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This ditty has been done by many an artist, each adding their own flair. I bring you Eva Cassidy’s version which works beautifully as a funky Fox Trot or a mellow WCS.
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I know most of us don’t have space for a good two-step, but this two-step song is so good, I had to include it.
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This is the first Pitbull song I heard that I knew was Pitbull. I remember hearing it in connection with the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, saying “that sounds awesome,” then going to look it up. As well as being a good (slow) samba and fun merengue, also works for one of our favorite beginner line dances Ah Si!
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The quintessential 80’s love ballad, this song came out while I was in high school. I can remember people singing it (badly, loudly) on the way to lunch. Even with those lovely memories, I still enjoy dancing to it immensely.
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Going from 80’s pop to 90’s country, we’ve got another scorcher of a song.
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As well as being a great Hustle, this song seems particularly appropriate for the beginning of July. All you firebugs out there - be careful not to light yourself on fire, ok?
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A classic song, this goes with a classic dance. Don’t know how to polka? Hmmmm, we might have to fix that.
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I heard this song on the way home from my family vacation a few years ago. We were stuck in traffic on a huge bridge over a piece of the Chesapeake Bay and I’m really glad I wasn’t driving so I could Shazam it. :)
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What summer playlist is complete without a little Jimmy Buffett? I could have put in Volcano https://youtu.be/c5NQOgm91pw , it’s fiery enough, but I thought we should go for something a little less known.
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I never thought someone would write a song about the story of my day-to-day existence, but here it is: stuffy nose, sneezes, and sinus pain, glorified with a catchy beat. If this one hits too close to home for you too, you could always skip it, or use it as a chance to grab a kleenex.
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Talking Heads - Burning Down the House - Cha Cha
I grew up with the Talking Heads, my brother being a fan before I was. I love what they accomplished in this video with very little tech, just a bit of imagination.
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What songs do you think should have made this list? What would you like to see in next month’s playlist? Let us know - we’d love to hear from you on Facebook or by email.
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July Dance Classes: online and in-person:
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Events are hosted by Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center: online, at our studio in Christiansburg, or at the Blacksburg Community Center. Please check locations before traveling!
Taking online classes is affordable and easy, once you try it. You do not need a partner; you do not need a fancy space. You do not have to share your picture or video. Online events require a Zoom link (included below), but not a Zoom account.
In-person classes have maximum enrollments. To prevent being turned away from a full class, please register ahead of time by emailing us at info@SapphireDance.com or contacting the Blacksburg Community Center.
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Coming Soon - Now through July 15
No classes July 3 - 6.
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Get down and boogie! Disco Fever is still raging and there's nothing like Hustle to get you groovin'. This class will teach you how to dance to fast, popular music from the 70’s, 80’s, 90's and today.
Price: $36/person (Sapphire due first day of class) + $10/$15 (BCC due upon registering)
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Location: Blacksburg Community Center
Please register ahead of time with the BCC at www.blacksburg.gov/recreation, Activity #312100-S1.
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Wednesdays, July 8-29, 6pm - Level 1 Rumba
Slow and romantic, Rumba’s casual luxury embraces many popular music styles making it a favorite with new dancers and a great wedding dance. No experience required.
Price: $36/person (Sapphire due first day of class) + $10/$15 (BCC due upon registering)
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Location: Blacksburg Community Center
Please register ahead of time with the BCC at www.blacksburg.gov/recreation, Activity #312100-L2
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Join us for a beginner-friendly look at this exciting, sassy dance. Come back next week for more; come every week and really learn how to move.
Price: $6/person, payable online
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Location: online only
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
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Are you dreaming of going to the beach? Want a mini vacation without the fuss of traveling? Join us Saturday mornings in July for an hour of Carolina Shag. All SMS Classes are drop-in: feel free to join anytime!
Price: $6/person, payable online
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Location: online only
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85706482732
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Getting the flow and glide of this super-sized dance.
Prerequisite: Level 1 NC2
Cost: $9/person online or $14 each in person, payable online
Location: online and in Studio
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
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Learn a Fox Trot routine, start to finish, to Natalie Cole’s Orange Colored Sky in three weeks! Each week will present a stand-alone segment of choreography that fits perfectly with one of three recurring pieces of the song: Instrumental, Flash-Bam, and Flying Glass. We will start off with the Flying Glass section (don’t worry - it’s not dangerous).
Prerequisite: Level 2 Fox Trot or previous WNW Fox Trot workshops
Cost: $9/person online or $14 each in person, payable online
Location: online and in Studio
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
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Coming Later - July 16 and onward |
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Join us for a beginner-friendly look at this exciting, sassy dance. Come back next week for more; come every week and really learn how to move.
Price: $6/person, payable online
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Location: online only
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
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Are you dreaming of going to the beach? Want a mini vacation without the fuss of traveling? Join us Saturday mornings in July for an hour of Carolina Shag. All SMS Classes are drop-in: feel free to join anytime!
Price: $6/person, payable online
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Location: online only
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85706482732
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With an exciting combination of beginner friendly and more challenging dances, as well as tips on how to jazz up any choreography, this workshop will get your toes tapping in no time.
- Early registration required for online attendance - Email us now!
Price: $6/person (payable online) or $9 each in-person
Prerequisite: None! Beginner and advanced line dancers will find lots to love at this workshop.
Location: online and at the Sapphire Studio in Christiansburg
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992146924
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Former Sapphire Instructor Jen Gorce claims that jazzing up your rockstep will jazz up everything. She’s gonna share her secrets this week and next in Single Time and Triple Time Swing.
Cost: $9/person online or $14 each in person, payable online
Prerequisite: Level 1 Swing
Location: online and in Studio
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
Learn a Fox Trot routine, start to finish, to Natalie Cole’s Orange Colored Sky in three weeks! Each week will present a stand-alone segment of choreography that fits perfectly with one of three recurring pieces of the song: Instrumental, Flash-Bam, and Flying Glass. We will start off with the Fly Glass section (don’t worry - it’s not dangerous).
Cost: $9/person online or $14 each in person, payable online
Prerequisite: Level 2 Fox Trot or previous WNW Fox Trot workshops
Location: online and in Studio
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
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Because of Independence Day, there will be no classes July 3-6.
All of our classes are listed at http://www.sapphiredance.com/GroupLessons.php.
For more information about anything or to register for any of these classes, please email us at info@sapphiredance.com.
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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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