Get your boots, a partner, a pep in your step, and head on down Cook Road to the Grange for partner dance class.
Traditional, colorful, and sparkly cowboy boots hit the dance floor front and center at the Grange on Cook Road on Thursday night. A DJ booth right behind it playing country music as counting is barely heard as everyone tries to stay on time. This is partner dancing.
Happy Valley Dance is an organization that has partner dance classes taught by Kim Hargrove for all to attend. There are new dances taught every Thursday of every month at the Grange.
“I have been leading the Thursday night format since the late 1990s,” said Hargrove, the dance instructor. “I teach line dances, partner pattern dances, two-step, Country Waltz, Polka, East-Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Country Swing, Pony Swing, Lindy Hop, Hustle, Cha Cha, and Nightclub Two-Step.”
Partner dancing is designed for all to learn. Each dance is broken down and class focuses on one dance each month. It starts simply with footwork and learning how to dance with a partner and by the end of the month you will have learned sequences, multiple types of turns, and other flares.
“Some dances are more challenging than others,” said Elizabeth Martin, an attendee at Happy Valley Dance. “With the support of others, I’m able to learn each dance and still have fun doing it.”
Partner dancing is a fun way to connect with music, other people and your body. Dancing can take your mind off of the outside world and bring you peace while connecting with others as you learn how to move your body in new ways.
“We all love to see young people get involved with dancing,” said Hargrove. “It’s good, wholesome, fun and exercise. It’s also a great way to hone social skills.”
Partner dancing is a fun way to escape any stress or struggles throughout the day and let loose.
“My goal is to guide people in escaping the distractions of the outside world,” said Hargrove. “To help them get in touch with their own body through movement. Partner dancing requires participants to give their full attention to their partner and their own movement at the same time.”
Dancing has been around for hundreds of years, so give it a try at Happy Valley Dance. Each class is $10 for one person and an additional $5 for anyone else you bring. Example: two people $15, three people $20 etc.
“Be patient with yourself and your partners,” said Hargrove. “Learning anything worthwhile takes time and attention. The investment is worth it. Dancing is a lifelong skill.”