Opening up a little more

Sapphire Ballroom News - October 2020

We see ya - you there, sitting on your sofa, itching to get out of the house, but not really comfortable with or interested in most of the adult social opportunities around. And we hear ya - the disappointment in your voice when you ask if we are offering in-person classes yet.

And we’re gonna try to help you.

This month, we are going to open up beginner-friendly options on three nights of the week for in-person dancing: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This is exciting - we can’t wait to actually see you at lessons!If you're interested in dancing in person, please read our COVID Safety Policies here to find out more about how we plan to stay safe while dancing together.

In the meantime, we will continue to offer both Monday and Friday workshops online for all of you who prefer to keep dancing in your homes.

Stay safe and keep dancing, in whatever way works for you.

PS - have you started your holiday shopping yet? Yeah, me neither.
PPS - if you’re planning a December wedding, now is the perfect time to schedule your wedding lessons - get in touch to get started!

Holiday Shopping - yep it’s time to get started

Fox Trot and Rumba - the Blacksburg Group Class line up

Now In Person - Friday Beginner Workshops in October

Sapphire Story - Lisa loves line dancing

Spooky Playlist - great songs with a little creepy flavor

Upcoming Dance Classes, online and in-person

Holiday Shopping - yep it’s time to get started

Holiday shopping this year is gonna be . . . odd.

Most of us won't be spending time wandering around stores, browsing the clearance racks (it's ok to look for cheap presents!), and getting inspiration from our surroundings. And so all that stimulus is missing. While I won't miss being bombarded by Christmas caroles, that lack of stimulus makes it hard to come up with interesting, thoughtful ideas.

To help out, here's one interesting idea - maybe it will inspire you.

Dance lessons are awesome, fun, active, social, and fulfilling. And they are easy to share with your friends, family, sweethearts, and co-workers.

Every class, workshop, and lesson we offer has a gift option, that includes Friday Beginner Workshops, Line Dance Workshops, and Private Lessons... and they are all offered online or in person. There's also the option of purchasing an eGift Card which can be redeemed for anything we sell, including merchandise.

Gift vouchers can be delivered electronically or as a paper certificate, by email, mail, or for pick up at the Studio in Christiansburg. We even offer a greeting card if you want to jazz up your delivery a little.

Gifts can be assembled and delivered quickly - no extra charges for expedited shipping. So, yeah the headline says it's time to get started, but really you can wait a while more if you’re giving Sapphire Dance Lessons. (No promises for that necktie or golf club koozie you were thinking about.)

Here’s a snapshot of the traditional options, but if you want something you don't see - like to take your family of 6 out to a dance lesson - let us know. We would love to make it happen.

More information is available at SapphireDance.com/GiftPackages.php. Large purchase discounts available.

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Fox Trot and Rumba - the Blacksburg “Date Night” Group Classes

Have a special someone in your life that deserves more of your attention? When you're on the floor, the rest of the world disappears. It doesn't matter if your boss needs a report, a customer is demanding an update, or your co-workers didn't come through for you. For those minutes when you're dancing, the only thing that matters is the magically fun experience you are creating with your partner. This "us time" and learning together is what makes dance classes one of the best things you can do for a date night.

At Sapphire’s Blacksburg Group Classes, you’ll get two hours of instruction for two nights - plenty of time to learn a dance style, a thing that you will take with you and revisit every time you go to a wedding, attend an office party, or you hear your favorite song on the radio.

This month, you have two options, both perfect for people who have never danced before:

Fox Trot - Tuesdays, Oct 13 and 20, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Fox Trot is smooth and graceful, can be done to a huge variety of music, but is usually the definitive dance for dancing to old crooners like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Gene Kelly, and Rosemary Clooney. More modern music includes Michale Bublé, Harry Connick Junior, and Pink Martini. Some more surprising examples of Fox Trots include songs by Guns and Roses, Zac Brown Band, AJR, and Fools Garden. Check them all out on our Fox Trot playlist on YouTube.
Click here to see a sample of the Fox Trot you will learn in class.

Rumba - Thursdays, Oct 15 and 22, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Rumba is a slow Latin dance that can be sexy or romantic, or both, but it can also be relaxed and casual. It’s danced to a huge variety of music including current pop, love ballads from the 80’s through the 50’s, country, and alternative. Basically, most slow songs can be Rumbas. Some artists that have done Rumbas include the Beatles, Shawn Mendez, Led Zeppelin, and Ed Sheeran. To listen to a nice sampling of Rumbas, visit our Rumba playlist on YouTube.
To see a sample of Rumba dancing (reasonable dancing, not what you'd see on TV), click here.

November Classes will include Swing and Country Two-Step.

Before attending in-person classes, please read our COVID safety policies.

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Now In Person - Friday Beginner Workshops this month

We are opening up our Friday Beginner Workshops (FBWs) to in-person attendance! Based on several inquiries, we are going to start welcoming you back into the studio on Friday evenings for beginner friendly workshops this month.

This means every Friday, you can get out of your house and join us at the awesome Sapphire Studio to learn a fun, popular dance style and get just a sneak peek of next week’s lesson. This format gives you plenty of time to learn the primary dance style well enough to use it and, at the same time, gives you the chance to get a step ahead on the next lesson - great way to start dancing and having fun.

Check out the schedule for October:
Oct 9 - Bachata and Triple Time Swing
Oct 16 - Triple Time Swing and Fox Trot
Oct 23 - Fox Trot and Cha Cha
Oct 30 - Cha Cha and Tango
Nov 6 - Tango and Rumba

Looking forward - we will be skipping Friday, Nov 27 for Thanksgiving.

What do you think? Are you excited to join us in the studio? (we're excited to have you there!) Do you miss the three dance format of yesteryear? Would you like practice music for 15-20 minutes after the lesson?

Visit our website or facebook event for more details on Friday Workshops: http://www.sapphiredance.com/GroupLessons.php?d=1
https://www.facebook.com/events/341441067239273/

Before attending in-person classes, please read our COVID safety policies.

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Sapphire Story - Lisa loves line dance

Lisa is our Line Dance teacher. She teaches workshops at 7:00 on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, online and in person. Details available here.

Sometime in the fall of 2010, a strong urge came over me to search “line dancing near me” and my tumble down the dance rabbit hole began.

I had never really done any dance classes as a child unless you count a few ballet classes that most little girls took in the 90s; all I remember is stretching to Paula Abdul every week. In middle school, my favorite week in gym class every year was line dancing week but after that, all I really learned were the standard social, wedding reception dances. Fast forward to after college, I was visiting my parents and found myself at a country bar, learning line dances on the floor, not having a clue what I was doing, and loving every second of it.

My search in 2010 led me to a line dance class near Roanoke. There, I met the people that I credit for getting me sucked into the vast world of line dance and by extension, my new adventure in partner dancing. Line dancers are the most welcoming, helpful, and encouraging crowd of people I had ever been around. Experienced dancers immediately accepted me and coached me through the steps and choreography, explaining things as I fumbled my way through my first few months (probably years) of dance classes. I attended my first line dance event in 2013 and the obsession grew, bringing me deeper into a community of worldwide line dancers, events, and choreographers. I’ve met and danced with people from all over the world and have traveled to new places just to dance! After a few instructor shake-ups, I was fortunate enough to get to teach my first line dancing classes in Roanoke with that same group who initially welcomed me into their dance circle.

Now - how did I get to the Sapphire? I spent a lot of time at my first line dance events simply watching. Being so new to the dance event circuit, I did not know many of the dances being done at open dance and sat on the sidelines in awe and envy. As line dancers were doing the choreographed dances in the center of the floor, I noticed a certain style of partner dancing happening frequently on the outer edges of the dance floor. West coast swing. I had never heard of it before, seen it before, and had no clue how it worked. It was mesmerizing and I instantly wanted to know more.

In April 2015, I reached out to Sapphire Ballroom about taking my very first West Coast Swing lessons. There was a Level 2 class getting ready to begin but since I had never done it before, I signed up for a set of private lessons to get me where I needed to be. Armed only with my years of music training and some line dancing knowledge, the folks at Sapphire expertly caught me up on beginning basics and Level 1 skills. I remember being only a little nervous for my first private lesson but unbelievably nervous for that first evening group class. I should have reminded myself of the warm and welcoming line dancers because the partner dancers I met that evening and since have been exactly the same way.

Now, several years later, I have taken a few other styles, still mostly focusing on what I’ll see at line dance events (WCS and Country 2-step) and hope to just keep learning more and more and more! In January 2020, we began adding line dance classes to the Sapphire schedule which has allowed me to share my love and knowledge of line dance with the community and give back to Sapphire a bit of what it has given me. I’m so thankful for Sapphire Ballroom, for the instructors I have taken lessons from, for the community of dancers I have met there, and for the support they have all shown since we began the line dance classes!

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Spooky Playlist - great songs with a little creepy flavor

There are tons of playlists out there full of the Monster Mash and The Werewolf of London style songs - fun, campy, and totally Halloween. And while those are cool, this year I wanted to pull together a playlist for you with a subtler connection to the spooky. Songs that reference the supernatural, creepy, or disturbing. Hopefully not too disturbing. Here’s a selection from my Spooky playlist. To see the full playlist, visit us on YouTube.

See all of our YouTube Playlists on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SapphireBallroom/playlists.

	My Oh My by Camila Cabello ft. DaBaby https://youtu.be/6fd2kkLmSDQ Dance: Cha Cha
	E.T. by Katy Perry ft. Kanye West https://youtu.be/t5Sd5c4o9UM Dance: Tango, Non-Traditional Salsa
	People Are Strange by The Doors https://youtu.be/-NyC6mrutj0 Dance: Fox Trot
	Kiss From A Rose by Seal https://youtu.be/vx-Lzo9NxAQ Dance: Viennese Waltz
	Witchcraft by Frank Sinatra https://youtu.be/_RCtDnfYPGo Dance: Fox Trot
	Skeleton by Inverness & Tails ft. Nevve https://youtu.be/-dl2JmOLwtI Dance: West Coast Swing
	Make My Day by C-mon & Kypski https://youtu.be/JDYQjiPcfOY Dance: Fox Trot
	Demons by Imagine Dragons https://youtu.be/mWRsgZuwf_8 Dance: Rumba

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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Upcoming Dance Classes: online and in-person

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.

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.

		Intro to Samba - Basics, Boxes, and Turns     Samba What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 5, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Switch Turns, 5th position breaks (Wisks), and Samba Walks - we'll be laying the foundation for lots of future funness. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing fast Latin style dances. Samba experience not expected. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Exercises to Improve Balance     Class-By-Request What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 5, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm So many people asked for Jen to come back and do more... Of course we had to make it happen. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Line Dancing With Lisa     Line Dance Workshop     Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 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 in person attendance! (Email us now!) Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992146924 Prerequisite: None! Beginner and advanced line dancers will find lots to love at this workshop. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		So Happy Together     Bachata and Triple Time Swing Friday Beginner Workshop     Friday, October 9, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm If You love Salsa, but wish it weren't quite so fast, you should definitely try Bachata. It's got all the great Latin swagger of Salsa, but a much milder tempo. After playing with Bachata for a while, we'll end with a taste of Triple Time Swing - the big daddy of swing dances. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088 Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners! Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Intro to Samba - Travelling, at least a little     Samba What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 12, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Extending the box, and taking it for a spin. Maybe a Butterfly and other shenanigans. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing fast Latin style dances. Samba experience not expected. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Intro to 3-Ct Hustle - all the cool in 25% fewer beats     Hustle What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 12, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm If you like Hustle, you need to learn the coolness that is 3-ct. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing Hustle. 3-Ct experience is not expected. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Stepping Out with Fox Trot - Stepping out with my baby     Level 1 Fox Trot Group Class     Tuesdays, October 13 - October 20, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Never danced before but want that classic, Fred and Ginger flair? This class is perfect for you! The Fox Trot's easy swagger and fantastic music has made it a ballroom classic, sweeping across dance floors generation after generation. Join the fun and before you know it, you'll be "stepping out" like a classic romantic movie star. Maximum enrollment = 10. Please register ahead of time with the Blacksburg Community Center, Activity #112100-B1 Prerequisite: Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you! Location: Blacksburg Community Center
		Romantic Rumba for beginners     Level 1 Rumba Group Class     Thursdays, October 15 - October 22, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Romantic, sassy, and fun for new dancers! Looking for a great date night idea? This class is the perfect thing for you to do for your sweetheart. Get out of the house, learn a fun skill, and create wonderful memories that will make you smile over and over again for years to come. Maximum enrollment = 10. Please register ahead of time with the Blacksburg Community Center, Activity #112100-L1 Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you! Location: Blacksburg Community Center
		Groovy and fun     Triple Time Swing and Fox Trot Friday Beginner Workshop     Friday, October 16, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Like classic rock n' roll? Into upbeat country? Dig Motown? In love with the blues? You need to learn Triple Time Swing. It's perfect for slow-medium speed, upbeat music of all kinds. After reelin' and rockin' for a while, it'll be time to try a taste of classic Fox Trot - smooth and suave. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088 Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners! Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Intro to Samba - The Samba Line Dance     Samba What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 19, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm There is a line dance that seems to be done at ballroom clubs and studios all over the place - it's the Samba Line Dance. We're gonna teach it slow and easy and hash out some of the techniques we hope you'll practice when you do the line dance. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing fast Latin style dances. Samba experience not expected. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		More Charleston!     Lindy Hop What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 19, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm More solo Charleston means more fun, more sweat, more hopping!!! Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Participants should have seen the Charleston Kick basic before. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Line Dancing With Lisa     Line Dance Workshop     Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 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 in person attendance! (Email us now!) Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992146924 Prerequisite: None! Beginner and advanced line dancers will find lots to love at this workshop. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Classy and Sassy     Fox Trot and Cha Cha Friday Beginner Workshop     Friday, October 23, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Learn to Fox Trot with all the suave style of a classic movie star! This traveling will sweep you off your feet if you try it (not literally, since it's hard to dance while not on your feet). And then, we'll get a little earthy with sassy and fast Cha Cha. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088 Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners! Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Intro to Samba - Something more challenging     Samba What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 26, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm We'll be taking the elements we've already learned and building something pretty sweet with them. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing fast Latin style dances. Samba experience not expected. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Foxy - It's Fox Trot for wacky songs     Fox Trot What's Next Workshop     Monday, October 26, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Foxy is a great variation for songs that sound like they should be a regular Fox Trot but are either too slow or too fast. It's simple, and we will explain it all for you. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing Fox Trot. Foxy experience is not expected. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
		Is Tang-Cha a Thing?     Cha Cha and Tango Friday Beginner Workshop     Friday, October 30, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm It's strange, but a lot of the same songs work for both Cha Cha and Tango. Something about the driving (sometimes dramatic) music crosses over from one to the other beautifully. Here's your chance to learn both exciting dances in one night. We won't actually mix the two dances - that would be confusing for everyone! Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088 Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners! Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio

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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