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Let's Celebrate |
Sapphire Ballroom News - December 2020 |
Yeah, we’ve been bit by the holiday bug. Even though everything is weird this year, the upcoming holidays are a source of happy anticipation - a needed spot of glorious brightness in the midst of the COVID exhaustion. That’s a part of what many winter holidays are about - spots of joy when the days are dark and dreary. So, whether you light special candles, plug in bunches of string lights, or coat your house top to bottom in tinsel, your holiday is coming. I celebrate you and your holiday traditions. Let’s all find ways to celebrate in any way we can. And let Sapphire help by adding our dance-inspired cheer into your holidays.
This newsletter is stuffed full of happy things: news, ideas, classes, links, and videos. Feel free to skip around or read it top to bottom.
Either way, I sincerely hope you find something that gives you joy.
- Surprise Movie Dance Scenes
- Delightful Window Decorations are worth making a drive
- Great gift giving has never been easier
- Family Fun Holiday Special
- What are we doing for COVID these days?
- Sapphire Story - Pam's Story: She’s been with us from the start!
- An Off-Beat Holiday Playlist
- Upcoming Dance Classes, online and in-person
Quote of the Month:
Even if you dance alone
You deserve a cheers
'Cause you been workin' way too long
No more wishin', baby, listen
It's a celebration
Get ready for the holi-holi-holiday
- Meghan Trainor in “Holidays”
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Surprise Movie Dance Scenes
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In my mind, nothing beats the thrill of enjoying a good movie only to be surprised by an incredible (or just amusing) dance scene. Here are a few movies that sprung a dance scene on me, much to my delight.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
As usual, the “wizarding world” is a bit different than ours. At the Yule Ball, a handful of students perform a lovely Viennese Waltz, full of traditional figures and adorable teen awkwardness. It’s really lovely when capes and shirts furl out during the spins. The wizard-twist? They kept switching their frame - which I suppose is very evenhanded. But I think it would confuse me. |
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Polar Express
Who doesn’t need a cup of hot chocolate now and then? Add in the awesome (somewhat impossible) tap show and you’ve got a snack that can’t be beat. Since I don’t know how to tap dance, especially on thin air, always feel like having a Quickstep or Single Time Swing after this scene. |
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Elf
It happens at a lot of large dance parties - it’s called a jam circle (or maybe something else in other communities). The crowd makes a clear space in the middle and people take turns showing off. If you’re extra talented, you can get stuck in the middle as the people ask for more and more, but that’s not really a problem if you’re an elf with a little mechanical assistance on those deep squats. What would I dance to that song? Probably a Hustle. |
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Delightful Window Decorations are worth making a drive
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Thanks to Downtown Christiansburg Inc. (DCI) and the Christiansburg High School art students, the storefronts in downtown Christiansburg look both adorable and awesome for December. Last week, our sidewalks were invaded by talented teenagers as they painted the windows of several downtown businesses.
In pretty cold temps, they sketched and brushed a winter wonderland of figures and scenes. We received a scowling Grinch surrounded by snow and candy - my kind of snow storm! Across the street, there’s snowmen, nutcrackers, and reindeer, all of them wonderful.
Once the windows are completed, pictures will be posted to DCI’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DowntownChristiansburgInc.
But you don’t need to wait - go for a drive downtown and see if you can spot all 18 participating businesses.
  
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Great gift giving has never been easier
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 So you’re thinking about giving some friends, your sweetheart some dance lessons but you don’t really know where to go from there? Basically, before you even think about what to buy, you have two options: let us help or go it alone.
If you would like our input or assistance, we are there for you. Get in touch by email (info@sapphiredance.com) or phone (540-382-8782), and we will walk you through the possibilities.
You can buy workshops, classes, private lessons, or a let-them-choose gift certificate. I recommend buying a specific thing to show your giftee what you’re thinking about for them. Don’t worry about if they will like your choice because they can exchange it for credit towards any other Sapphire class, lesson, or merchandise. Everything is exchangeable and transferable.
Once your decisions are made, you can pay in person by cash or check or electronically via a Square Invoice (Square is our credit card processing company). And we can snail-mail, email, or hand you the gift vouchers within 48 hours (physical mail may take longer to deliver).
Would you rather do your shopping on your own? All of our gift options are available through our online Square store. The easy to remember shortcut is order.sapphiredance.com which will take you to https://my-site-100891-106482.square.site/, our actual Square store site. To buy a gift for someone, choose any of our products, select “yes” for is this a gift and fill in some delivery information. Same delivery options as above.
You also have the option to get an electronic gift card which can be used online or at the studio.
We are only taking gift orders up through Dec 23 so that we can go on holiday too!
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Family Fun Special - Just for the Holidays
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 This Holiday season, we are offering a Family Fun Special - an hour long lesson for up to 10 people at our studio in downtown Christiansburg for just $85.
The lesson can include lots of possible dance styles including Line Dancing, Latin and Salsa, Swing, Tango, almost anything you can think of. If you don’t know what you want, no worries - we have ideas that will help. For a one-hour lesson, we recommend sticking with 1 or 2 styles, so your brains don’t hurt afterward. If you want a longer lesson, or to come back for a second round - we can do that, too! Tuesday, Dec 22 - Saturday, Jan 2, 2021, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve!
Email or call us to schedule your private family dance adventure: info@SapphireDance.com or 540-382-8782. Advanced registrations are required.
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What are we doing for COVID these days?
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 Read the full COVID Policies here, but it boils down to these 6 things:
Maximum Occupancy. We are enforcing a maximum of 12 people in the Studio, including staff, which is why group lessons are limited to 10 people. This is far lower than most gyms and certainly lower than most restaurants.
Social Distance. We ask that everyone maintain 10ft distance from anyone not already in their exposure bubble. The state asks for 6ft, but we feel that 10ft is doable and better.
Low traffic=low exposure. Our studio has very low day-to-day traffic, rarely more than 10 people in a 24 hour period. We can easily go an entire week with less than 30 people walking through our doors - compare that to grocery shopping.
Frequent cleaning. We clean all the touching surfaces daily and frequently more often than that. If you’ve been in, you probably noticed there are wipes and bleach spray in several places - feel free to wipe down any surface you think you’ll touch while with us.
Contactless lessons. As much as we miss dancing with you, we won’t. No-touch lessons are the way to go for the time being.
Masks. Everyone in the studio is required to wear a mask, including staff. I love seeing all the cool and colorful designs people wear in, but a face covering is all that’s required.
Still don’t feel safe? Everything offered in Studio is also offered on-line. Yes, sometimes it is awkward, but we’re actually pretty good at teaching to a remote audience and together we can make virtual lessons work.
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Sapphire Story - Pam: She’s been with us from the start!
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Pam is one of the kindest people I have ever met. When I was forced into a 4 month hiatus by my achilles tendon, she came to my house and weeded my garden for no other reason than looking at it made me sad. She is a regular part of my Monday nights, and one of the highlights of my week!
- Debbi
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I have been dancing with Linda (Sapphire’s owner) and Sapphire Ballroom since 2003, before the studio officially opened. At first I only attended social dances in whatever space Linda found to host them, then later more dance parties in the Sapphire Studio.
I just couldn’t get enough dancing in my life. (Yes, it’s an addiction, but such a healthy one!) Soon enough, I began making the almost hour-long drive up to Sapphire every week, sometimes more, attending weekend workshops, taking 3 hours of lessons every Monday, & going to most of their wonderful and quirky social dances.
All of my instructors have been so extremely valuable in my dance journey. The dancers and teachers at Sapphire have become friends. The studio has become a special part of my life.
Even though COVID has changed so many things, Sapphire has always been and always will be a rich source of learning, encouragement, camaraderie, & a WHOLE LOT of FUN!
I’m down to visiting Sapphire only once a week on Mondays for my private lesson with Debbi and 2 hours of workshops - it’s a long and tiring night, but so worth it. I miss the dance parties and dancing with other students, but until we can go back to those days, I will keep up with my lessons and look forward to that first dance party somewhere on the horizon.
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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.
IN-PERSON Group Lessons have a maximum of 10 students. 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.
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Waltz and Bachata - two great dances for absolute beginners!
Waltz and Bachata Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, December 11, 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!
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
Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners!
Read more about Waltz and Bachata.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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More Charleston!
Lindy Hop What's Next Workshop
Monday, December 14, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
More solo Charleston means more fun, more sweat, more hopping!!!
What specifically will we be doing? No idea, but I guarantee there will be silliness.
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
Prerequisite: Participants should have seen the Charleston Kick basic before.
Read more about Lindy Hop.
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Rev Up Your Rumba
Rumba What's Next Workshop
Monday, December 14, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing Rumba basics including boxes, turns, and walks (essentially Level 1 material).
Read more about Rumba.
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Line Dancing With Lisa
Line Dance Workshop
Tuesday, December 15, 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!)
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
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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Here comes the sassy, swishy fun.
Bachata and Triple Time Swing Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, December 18, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
If you love the idea of learning Salsa, but wish it weren't quite so fast, you should definitely try Bachata. It's got all that great Latin swagger, but at 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.
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
Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners!
Read more about Bachata and Triple Time Swing.
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Intro to Samba - REVIEW! plus a little something new...
Samba What's Next Workshop
Monday, December 21, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
We're going to dive back into Samba for a moment - review some of the concepts covered during October and November, and hopefully add a little bit more to your repertoire.
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
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing Samba basics. Attendance at previous Samba workshops beneficial, but not required.
Read more about Samba.
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Hesitation is Golden
Waltz What's Next Workshop
Monday, December 21, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Finding more ways to use hesitations and what that means for the rest of the dance.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable with Level 1 material in the dance style.
Read more about Waltz.
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Intro to Bolero - Basics, Breaks, and Turns
Bolero What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 4, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Switch Turns, 5th position breaks, and rotation - we'll be laying the foundation for lots of future funness.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing some Latin style dances- especially those with break steps. Bolero experience not expected.
Read more about Bolero.
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Exercises to Improve Balance
Class-By-Request What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 4, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This exercise class for all levels is specifically geared towards improving your balance while dancing. Of course, that also means improving your balance while standing and walking, which really can't be a bad thing. You will sweat; your may be sore; you will probably complain (we all do); but we keep coming back for more. 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
Prerequisite: No prerequisites in dance ability or fitness level - you just need to be willing to put the work into improving yourself as a dancer.
Read more about Class-By-Request.
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Line Dancing With Lisa
Line Dance Workshop
Tuesday, January 5, 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
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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Swing and Fox Trot - Baby, They're Classic
Triple Time Swing and Fox Trot Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, January 8, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Like classic rock n' roll? Into upbeat country? 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.
Advance registration required for in-studio attendance - email us today at info@SapphireDance.com!
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $6/person online, $9/in-studio
Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners!
Read more about Triple Time Swing and Fox Trot.
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Intro to Bolero - Arms and Technique
Bolero What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 11, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Arm styling in Bolero is huge - literally and figuratively. It's part of the overall look and actually really helps with balance. We'll also be refining that drop and drift that makes Bolero unique.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing some Latin style dances- especially those with break steps. Bolero experience not expected.
Read more about Bolero.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Stepping up your Quickstep - Outside Partner
Quickstep What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 11, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
You can't Quickstep without dancing a LOT of outside partner moves. That's why we're gonna make it better. Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing some Quickstep at a medium slow speed.
Read more about Quickstep.
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Foxy and Suave meets Fast and Sassy
Fox Trot and Cha Cha Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, January 15, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Learn to Fox Trot with all the suave style of a classic movie star! This traveling dance 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 a tantalizing taste of fast and flirty Cha Cha. Bonus: if there are any repeat students from last week, we will review some Swing 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
Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners!
Read more about Fox Trot and Cha Cha.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Intro to Bolero - Side Passes and more
Bolero What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 18, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Getting into open breaks and side passes.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing some Latin style dances- especially those with break steps. Bolero experience not expected.
Read more about Bolero.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Stepping up your Quickstep - More Lock Steps and Natural Turns
Quickstep What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 18, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Some fundamental patterns to help you around the floor.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing some Quickstep at a medium slow speed.
Read more about Quickstep.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Learn to Salsa and Merengue
Level 1 Salsa Group Class
Tuesdays, January 19 - January 26, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Fast, fun, and ready to party, these spicy Latin favorites will add lots of flavor to your dancing life. Absolute beginners are absolutely welcome!
Maximum enrollment = 10.
Please register ahead of time with the Blacksburg Community Center, Activity #212100-L1
Location: Blacksburg Community Center
Price: $36/person (Sapphire) + $10/$15 (BCC)
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Read more about Salsa.
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Line Dancing With Lisa
Line Dance Workshop
Tuesday, January 19, 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
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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Beginner's Guide to Tango
Level 1 Tango Group Class
Wednesdays, January 20 - January 27, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The romance, the power, the passion - they all add up to the Tango. The staccato timing and stalking grace of American Tango create an exciting experience on the dance floor. No experience necessary.
Maximum enrollment = 10.
Please register ahead of time with the Blacksburg Community Center, Activity #212100-B1
Location: Blacksburg Community Center
Price: $36/person (Sapphire) + $10/$15 (BCC)
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Read more about Tango.
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Cha Cha and Hustle - they will Rock You
Cha Cha and Hustle Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, January 22, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Are you itching to get out on the dance floor at your next office party? That wedding coming up next year? Or do you really want to groove in your living room? Cha Cha is fast and fun, a little challenging, but you can handle it. Pair it with Hustle and you've got nearly every up-tempo song covered with flair.
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
Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners!
Read more about Cha Cha and Hustle.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Intro to Bolero - Outside Breaks and Turkish Towel
Bolero What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 25, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Outside Breaks really come into their own in Bolero - becoming a sweeping and dramatic move when you add Drop and Drift.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing some Latin style dances- especially those with break steps. Bolero experience not expected.
Read more about Bolero.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Stepping up your Quickstep - Adding Depth
Quickstep What's Next Workshop
Monday, January 25, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Crunch your angles to fit more in limited space.
Location: Online and In Person at the Sapphire Studio
Price: $9/person online or $14 each in person
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable dancing some Quickstep at a medium slow speed.
Read more about Quickstep.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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Fast and Fun gets paired with drama and flair
Hustle and Tango Friday Beginner Workshop
Friday, January 29, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ever wonder what made the Disco Inferno burn? It was the hot dancing! Hustle is one of the easiest Swing Styles, a great way to get started dancing, and works to almost every kind of music including lots of current pop, country, and alternative. After spinning 'round, right round, we'll get a taste of the wonderfully dramatic Tango. Bonus: if we have returning students, we will review some of last week's Cha Cha 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
Prerequisite: None - this is just for beginners!
Read more about Hustle and Tango.
Like, share, or invite friends on Facebook.
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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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Until we see you again, happy dancing! |
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