What makes a dance lesson the perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea?
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It’s not news that dancing and romance are forever married in our hearts and minds. From Cinderella's ball to John Trivolta’s nightclub, dancing has always been the way to connect to your sweetheart. But what makes a dance lesson the perfect Valentine’s Day activity?
1 - We don’t care if you have two left feet and neither does your sweetheart.
You don’t have to be a good dancer - just the fact that you planned the dance lesson will score you major points. Especially if dancing does not come naturally to you, the thing your date will remember is that you did it! Plus, you will be amazed how much easier it is to learn with expert instruction, like what you'll receive at a Sapphire lesson. Yes, there’s only so much you’ll learn in one lesson, but you will walk out of your dance class able to dance to an entire group of songs.
2 - This treat sends the right message.
Think for a moment about the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts. When you give candy or chocolate, you really want some of it back, right? And your sweetheart then has to give up a portion of their gift. The same is true for almost anything you consume, like a bottle of wine. Bouquets of flowers die and have to be thrown away - not the right image for everlasting love! A dance lesson together says, “I want to spend time with you. I want to share this experience with you. Let’s have fun together.” Now that’s a nice message.
3 - It’s so much fun!
You will, and this is a promise, end up laughing, smiling, intrigued, and challenged at your dance class. You will move, learn, and really participate. There’s no zoning out here - it’s too much fun.
4 - It won’t break the bank.
Ballroom dancing has a reputation for being an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be! Sapphire always has lots of budget-friendly options available, but we’re going all out for this year's Valentine’s Day Weekend.
On Feb 12, join our Friday Beginner Workshop in Rumba and Swing for just $18 in-studio or $12 online.
OR...For just $35, on either Feb 13 or Feb 14, you and your date can get a 50-minute Private Lesson (customized for just the two of you!) giving you the foundations and some fun moves in the dance style of your choice. That’s less than the cost of a nice dinner or a fancy bottle of wine.
And you’ll get to keep the skills and the memories as long as you want. Your instructor will be happy to video or to take pictures of you dancing on your camera during or at the end of your lesson. Those are momentos will keep forever.
To find out more about the Private Lesson Special for Valentine’s Day, visit us on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/59ij0YY7X, email info@sapphiredance.com, or call 540-382-8782. Advance reservations required.
(In-studio lessons during COVID are masked and distanced. Learn more.)
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Things to think about when creating your own Mashup
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Mashups or "surprise" dances are dances, usually performances, that combine several songs and dances into one thrilling, sometimes hilarious, unit.
Mashups have been gaining in popularity over the past several years for various reasons: they are fun to prepare, fun to perform, and fun to brag - I mean reminisce - about after.
Here’s several tips on how to make your mashup even more “extra.” Keep in mind as you read, there is no “right” or “wrong” choice. It's your wedding, your anniversary party, your birthday - you can do whatever you want!
A typical mashup has several songs, each playing for only a short time. Keep in mind, transitions are hard so the more songs you include, the harder your dance is going to be. 4-6 songs seems to be a good number to get enough variety without taxing your memory cells too much.
Try to make some of the music meaningful. If your family has a thing for the Addams Family, include the theme. If you met your sweetheart at a screening of a Stars Wars movie, add some John Williams. Also, there’s a reason you’re celebrating, right? Listen to the lyrics of songs and find something that reflects that reason. Usually, a song that expresses how you’re feeling and the reason for celebrating starts or finishes the mashup. There’s some options in the playlist below!
It’s always a good idea to include at least some music that your audience will recognize. So think of choreographed party dances (Jump On It, Wobble). These songs are not only catchy, but they are easy to dance to. Also, look into iconic music like classic rock, 80’s, disco, or whatever gets your blood pumping.
You want to keep the whole thing pretty short - a total of about 3 minutes. Longer than that and you are really just making your life harder.
And, most importantly, make sure everyone involved is really on board. Mashups take a lot of work. And while they don’t necessarily take a lot of skill, enthusiasm is required. The more “into it” you, your partner, your group are, the better your presentation will be and the more fun you will have. If anyone is hesitant, it will show.
With these thoughts, you can definitely put together a great mashup on your own, but if you want help, let us know! A dance teacher can help you choose your music, cut the music, come up with and learn the choreography, or any piece of that. We are always excited to be a part of a mashup adventure.
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Sweet Moments Special Occasion Playlist
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You’ve got something to celebrate. I know you do! Whether it’s a family wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation… I’m sure there’s a song for that. We’ve gathered a few options below, both sappy and sassy, for some of some of the many special occasions that make life sweet. Hope you enjoy it!
To see the Parent-Child Dance playlist, visit us on YouTube at
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGEmFFdzKkkZZdeGxYJ_K9BS-oFnUjKEV
To see First Dance/Wedding Dance playlist, visit us on YouTube at
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGEmFFdzKkkZhTyLGbLLcFrPRFk1wzmIW
I don’t have a birthday party playlist yet - but it’s coming soon!
These playlists are always changing. If you have a suggestion, I’d love to hear it! Send me a link at info@sapphiredance.com.
See all of our YouTube Playlists on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SapphireBallroom/playlists.
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10,000 Hours by Dan + Shay, feat. Justin Beiber
https://youtu.be/Y2E71oe0aSM
Event: First Dance (Wedding)
Dance Style: Foxy, West Coast Swing
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Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
https://youtu.be/SwlAdEnT-do
Event: Parent-Child Dance (Wedding)
Dance Style: Bolero or Foxy
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Can I Have This Dance by Anne Murray
https://youtu.be/U67lLUpqEDc
Event: Birthday, First Dance (Wedding), Anniversary
Dance Style: Waltz
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Father and Daughter by Paul Simon
https://youtu.be/COQPSoRFdwg
Event: Parent-Child Dance (Wedding), Birthday, Graduation
Dance Style: Cha Cha or Rumba
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I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
https://youtu.be/RV-Z1YwaOiw
Event: Parent-Child Dance (Wedding), Birthday
Dance Style: Nightclub 2-Step
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I Just Want To Dance With You by George Strait
https://youtu.be/z5Fbcmsp-5s
Event: Birthday, Anniversary
Dance Style: Rumba
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I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis
https://youtu.be/GM_pv_Ocs24
Event: First Dance (Wedding), Anniversary
Dance Style: Hustle
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I’ll Stand by You by The Pretenders
https://youtu.be/0Sdelk-0n3s
Event: Birthday, Graduation
Dance Style: Nightclub 2-Step
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I'm a Believer by Smash Mouth or the Monkeys
(Both versions are awesome!!)
https://youtu.be/0mYBSayCsH0 - Smash Mouth
https://youtu.be/wziMwQLLxNo - Monkeys
Event: First Dance (Wedding), Anniversary
Dance Style: Single Time Swing
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Let's Never Stop Falling In Love by Pink Martini
https://youtu.be/Ldxn6aq2GCc
Wedding Dance or Anniversary
Dance Style: Cha Cha or Rumba
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Lucky by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat
https://youtu.be/acvIVA9-FMQ
Event: First Dance (Wedding), Anniversary
Dance Style: Fox Trot or East Coast Swing
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Save the Last Dance by Michael Buble
https://youtu.be/LAjfB0XfjkA
Event: Anniversary
Dance Style: Cha Cha
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Thank You by Sarah Conner
https://youtu.be/XYEuBKzHFIU
Event: First Dance (Wedding), Birthday, Anniversary
Dance Style: Nightclub 2-Step or Foxy
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Thank You For Loving Me by Bon Jovi
https://youtu.be/n86c41TI0HA
Event: First Dance (Wedding), Anniversary
Dance Style: Nightclub 2-Step
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Their Hearts Are Dancing by the Forester Sisters
https://youtu.be/btWeEOdWl_o
Event: Anniversary
Dance Style: Waltz
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The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
https://youtu.be/owNv81KIvAQ
Event: Birthday, Anniversary
Dance Style: Rumba
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When I’m Sixty Four by the Beatles
https://youtu.be/ckV2ogbt8W4
Event: Birthday, Anniversary
Dance Style: Fox Trot
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You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins
https://youtu.be/0S_fTDauV34
Event: Graduation, Parent-Child Dance (Wedding)
Dance Style: Foxy, or Slow Rumba
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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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Upcoming 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.
All Group Lessons have a maximum of 10 in-studio. 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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Line Dancing With Lisa
Line Dance Workshop
Tuesday, February 2, 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. Easiest dances are taught at the beginning of the evening, more challenging dances towards the end. And we always like to end by dancing everything we've learned one more time.
- Early registration required for in person attendance! (Email us now at info@SapphireDance.com!)
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992146924
Price: $6/person online - $9 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None! Beginner and advanced line dancers will find lots to love at this workshop.
Read more about Line Dance.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Tango and Rumba - Bring out the romance!
Tango and Rumba Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, February 5, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Romantic and exciting, Tango is the dance "to woo the woman" in your life. Whether you're already a dancer or not, we will get you moving on the dance floor in this wonderfully iconic dance. Pair it with the casual luxury of Rumba, and you're got a great a great date night! Bonus: if we have returning students, we will review some of last week's Hustle lesson at 8:00.
Advance registration required for in-studio attendance - email us today at info@SapphireDance.com!
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
Price: $6/person online, $9/in-studio.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None - this is perfect for sweethearts and beginners!
Read more about Tango and Rumba.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Untangling Travelling Twinkles
Waltz What's Next Workshop
Monday, February 8, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This classic Waltz move is not easy. But once it's in your repertoire, it will become a long time favorite.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable with boxes, change steps, and outside partner position.
Read more about Waltz.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Hustle - Mastering 3-Count
Hustle What's Next Workshop
Monday, February 8, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Move your Hustle into a whole new level with this advanced rhythm.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing 4-Count Hustle or have seen 3-Count before.
You do not need a large selection of Hustle knowledge for this workshop.
Read more about Hustle.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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It the perfect combo for the perfect Valentine's Date
Rumba and Single Time Swing Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, February 12, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rumba is slow, casual, and romantic, making it an awesome choice for a date night or any special occasion. Easy to learn, it pairs beautifully with lots of types of music, as long as it's sweet and slow. Swing is fast, fun, and full of bounce: the spontaneous adventure side of life. Between the two of them, you'll be able to dance the night away! Bonus: if we have returning students, we will review last week's Tango Lesson at 8:00.
Advance registration required for in-studio attendance - email us today at info@SapphireDance.com!
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
Price: $6/person online, $9/in-person (advance registration required for in-person).
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None - this is perfect for sweethearts and new dancers!
Read more about Rumba and Single Time Swing.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Peek-A-Boo Turns and Friends
Salsa What's Next Workshop
Monday, February 15, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Getting into the back and forth of Peek-A-Boo Turns.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable the Salsa Basic, Cross Body Lead, breaks, and common turns.
Read more about Salsa.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Hustle - Parallel Breaks Vs Side Rocks
Hustle What's Next Workshop
Monday, February 15, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Learning when it's better to go with the flow.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing 4-Count Hustle and have seen 3-Count before.
Read more about Hustle.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Step into Swing
Level 1 Swing Group Class
Tuesdays, February 16 - February 23, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Get ready to dance the night away to groovy rock n' roll and up-beat blues with two hip, happy swing dance styles filled with exciting twists and turns. Learning to Swing is a fun and casual way to start partner dancing.
Maximum enrollment = 10.
Please register ahead of time with the Blacksburg Community Center, Activity #212100-S1
Location: Blacksburg Community Center
Price: $36/person (Sapphire) + $10/$15 (BCC).
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Read more about Swing.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Line Dancing With Lisa
Line Dance Workshop
Tuesday, February 16, 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. Easiest dances are taught at the beginning of the evening, more challenging dances towards the end. And we always like to end by dancing everything we've learned one more time.
- Early registration required for in person attendance! (Email us now at info@SapphireDance.com!)
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992146924
Price: $6/person online - $9 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None! Beginner and advanced line dancers will find lots to love at this workshop.
Read more about Line Dance.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Fall for Rumba
Level 1 Rumba Group Class
Wednesdays, February 17 - February 24, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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 necessary to learn this lovely dance.
Maximum enrollment = 10.
Please register ahead of time with the Blacksburg Community Center, Activity #212100-L2
Location: Blacksburg Community Center
Price: $36/person (Sapphire) + $10/$15 (BCC).
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Read more about Rumba.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Fast and Fun - with a side of spins.
Single Time Swing and Salsa Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, February 19, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Single Time Swing is one of the simplest (and fastest) styles of swing we teach. It's a bouncy, fun adventure on the dance floor ready to carry you through tons of fast, upbeat music. Salsa is slick and sassy. Both are full of spins and fun!
Together they will surely get you moving, sweating, and laughing to exciting music. Bonus: if there are returning students, we will review some of last week's Rumba lesson at 8:00.
Advance registration required for in-studio attendance - email us today at info@SapphireDance.com!
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
Price: $6/person online, $9/in-person (advance registration required for in-person).
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None - this is just for adventurous beginners!
Read more about Single Time Swing and Salsa.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Powering Swivels From The Waist Down
Tango What's Next Workshop
Monday, February 22, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
We'll be working on getting a great snap into our Swivels.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable the Tango basic, promenade, and progressive rocks.
Read more about Tango.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Hustle - Push Turns in 4-Ct and 3-Ct
Hustle What's Next Workshop
Monday, February 22, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Push Turns, also frequently called a Turn-and-a-Half, are the next level of spinning in this already whirling dance.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing 4-Count Hustle and have seen 3-Count before.
You do not need a large selection of Hustle knowledge for this workshop, though you may find the material challenging if you're still new to Hustle.
Read more about Hustle.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Sassy and Classic
Salsa and Waltz Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, February 26, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us for a great pairing - Salsa and just a bit of Waltz. Like salty and sweet,
both of these dances are excellent on their own, but get even better together. This is an extra perfect workshop if you're dancing at home and don't have a lot of space. Bonus: if there are returning students, we will review some of last week's Swing lesson at 8:00.
Advance registration required for in-studio attendance - email us today at info@SapphireDance.com!
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
Price: $6/person online, $9/in-person (advance registration required for in-person).
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners!
Read more about Salsa and Waltz.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Line Dancing With Lisa
Line Dance Workshop
Tuesday, March 2, 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. Easiest dances are taught at the beginning of the evening, more challenging dances towards the end. And we always like to end by dancing everything we've learned one more time.
- Early registration required for in person attendance! (Email us now at info@SapphireDance.com!)
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992146924
Price: $6/person online - $9 each in person.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None! Beginner and advanced line dancers will find lots to love at this workshop.
Read more about Line Dance.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Waltz and Bachata - two great dances for absolute beginners!
Waltz and Bachata Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, March 5, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dive into the smooth and graceful Waltz. A dance with so much history and elegance might be intimidating but we will make it friendly and comfortable for you. Then turn on the sass with a little Bachata - hey - you can't behave all the time! Bonus: If there are returning students, we will review some of last week's Salsa lesson at 8:00.
Advance registration required for in-studio attendance - email us today at info@SapphireDance.com!
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Zoom link for online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
Price: $6/person online, $9/in-studio.
Pay online, before or after your class, at Sapphire's Square Store.
Prerequisite: None - this is absolutely for you beginners!
Read more about Waltz and Bachata.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Until we see you again, happy dancing! |
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