Lots of fun on the beach with some students as we listened to Salsa music in the sizzling sun at Peters Point. Hanging out with such nice people was a great way to spend a hot afternoon. Thanks, all!

Our East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing classes — by popular demand — will continue through the end of June. Wednesday afternoon from 2 to 3 pm, we get into West Coast Swing. From 3 to 4, we dance East Coast Swing. It’s never too late to join in as we review material each session before moving on. Just $10 per person and you need not register, just “swing in!”

Our wonderful hostess

Thank you, Erma Brutscher, for inviting studio dancers to you Kentucky Derby party. We donned our hats and cheered for our favorites only to be surprised by the winner, Rich Strike. It’s so great to enjoy my wonderful students outside the studio as much as in. Cheers to more fun times ahead!

  Claudia and Adrianna

It was so great to see my students on the dance floor of the Swingin’ Jazz Wine & Dance Party this past Saturday. Thanks to the dynamic Les DeMerle band, we enjoyed such dances as Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha and more. I’m proud of the students for seeing this event as a great way to put their dance lessons into action. Good job!

Wednesday afternoons are special — it’s when we literally get into “the swing of things.” Ladies from the Amelia Island Newcomers’ Club join me at the studio for West Coast Swing group class from 2-3pm and East Coast Swing from 3-4. Each class is just $10.

I’ve been asked about whether or not it’s okay to drop in — you’ve been busy and forgot to sign up on the web site. Absolutely!! The studio is spacious enough that we can easily handle extras.

Another common question is “Which Swing class is right for me?”  Feel free to check out both and see for yourself. One simple difference is the type of music you dance to:

East Coast Swing is typically danced at a faster, more energetic speed that West Coast. Music can be early rock and roll (such as Elvis Presley’s “Jail House Rock”or Big Band jazz music.) West Coast Swing music is slower and often bluesy. Contemporary music, R&B and even Country music can also fit the WCS dance.

The Men’s Newcomers Club has invited the Women’s Newcomer’s Club members to join them Thursday, April 14th at Walker’s Landing ballroom from 6 to 10PM. Tickets are $75/PP.

Live music by Crescendo and a catered buffet by the celebrated Jimbo — with prime rib, salmon, shrimp & grits, and more.

This event has a limited capacity of 140 people, so get your tickets early by contacting Bob Wesche at bwesche@gmail.com.  Checks should be made out to MNC and sent to PO Box 16291, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.

Ask to be seated by Gia’s table or near me if it’s already full.

See you there!

Thank you to my student, Erma, for her dedication to this non-profit — and to the students who joined us at the Gala at the Ritz. Helping disadvantaged children get the education they need to succeed is what Take Stock in Children is all about, and the evening brought in some needed funds to aid this worthy cause.

I feel so fortunate to know and work with these lovely ladies.

In Memory of Glorianne Parisi

With heavy hearts (and feet), we mourn the passing of one of our students, Glorianne Parisi.

She brought great joy and enthusiasm to the studio, joining our ladies’ group classes as well as taking private lessons to continually improve her dancing.

Glorianne’s passion for dance, music and life itself was infectious. Her big smile and “can-do” attitude made her an inspiration to others. We will miss her.

RIP

While life can surely be difficult, let’s hope that it’s not so difficult that we can still find pleasure in music and dance — both are proven to strengthen both our bodies and minds.

If you’re feeling the need for a break in your routine, and would like to interact with some upbeat, positive people, join us Monday or Thursday night for our 6-7PM Beginner class. This is a ladies-only class led by Gia as he shows you fun dance moves to lively Latin music.  It’s sure to bring a smile to your face — and strengthen and tone your body as well.

.  Hope to see all my students tonight at the Big Band Bash featuring the dynamic Les DeMerle and his orchestra. It’s a great event for a great cause — AND a great way for us to practice our dancing!  See you there at the Springhill Suites by Marriott on Atlantic.

Reminder: no classes tonight.

For you or someone you love — check out our Valentine’s Gift Certificates.

For $345, you will get 5 PRIVATE LESSONS (for the price of 3) in the dance(s) of your choice.

Congratulations to these lovely ladies from the Newcomers Club of Amelia — they just completed their Bolero group classes. Well done to all of you!

We start next Wednesday (Feb 2nd) a new dance: West Coast Swing. Join us from 2-3 PM as you move to cool, bluesy music and learn some low-impact dance moves.  This class pairs well with the East Coast Swing & Jitterbug classes we have in the 3-4PM time slot. East Coast Swing is danced to music that is a bit livelier, offering a fun, aerobic workout.

We welcome new members to either of these classes from the Newcomers Club —  drop in any week and easily follow what we are doing as we review previous movements each session before adding new movements to the routine.

No registration needed. $10/per person.

This Valentine’s Day, February 14th, you are in for a special treat. The dynamic Les DeMerle and his orchestra will showcase an event at the Springhill Suites here in Fernandina Beach. Their music is incredible — and there’s DANCING!  All for a good cause: proceeds go to a non-profit music scholarship fund, helping young people learn and perform music.

If you would to get your dancing feet ready for this event, I would be happy to help. Call me for private dance lessons: 302-252-8525.

These lovely ladies from the Amelia Island Newcomers’ Club join me on Wednesday afternoons to learn how to Swing dance. As a group, we learn specific moves and I can also work one-on-one during the group class to provide further details on how to transfer what we learn as a group to what can be danced for couples. We have “swinging” good time!  Join us if you are interested.

Studies prove that there are MANY, MANY health benefits to dance — so for those of you who made a New Year’s resolution to improve your health, or lose weight, or just enjoy life more:  consider coming to a dance class or signing up for private lessons.

The health benefits of dance (to name a few) include:

• Increased aerobic fitness
• Improved heart & lung function
• Weight management
• Improved muscular strength and motor fitness
• Enhanced balance
• Stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
• Better flexibility and agility
• Improves mental health & communications

And, of course, you meet great new people and have fun. Hope you see you at the studio soon!

These lovely ladies from the Amelia Island Newcomers’ Club join me on the dance floor each Wednesday for a lot of fun, some dancing to great music, and a few laughs along the way. THANK YOU, one and all. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Here’s what we have for group classes this month…the January calendar will be out soon as well.

Please note:  Classes for beginners are in GREEN — and the bright red notation on December 31st marks our very first New Year’s Eve Party — hope to see you here!

With the hecticness of the holidays upon us, we thought it time to slow things down a bit, so we’ve added a Ladies Bolero Class for the Newcomers Club. Every Wednesday from 2-3PM, we will learn some slow, smooth movements to this lovely dance, repeating from the previous week and moving forward to make it easy for drop-ins to participate at any time. Just $10 pp. Dancing to romantic music infused with Spanish and Cuban flare, you are sure to find the exercise as soothing as it is healthy.

Thanks to Casey Calkma aand Melinda Karisson, this private group of ladies comes to the studio Tuesday afternoons to dance, dance dance. These ladies are moving and grooving to some great music while we learn some Salsa, Rumba, Cha Cha, Bachata and more. Thank you, ladies! You’re doing great!

If you have a group of friends who would like to customize a private group lesson, let me know.

If you love music and want some fun exercise, join us Monday night from 6-7 pm for a group dance class. Ladies only. Learn some great moves to sizzling Latin music — all in our spacious studio.  Healthy habits need not be boring — come join the fun! Just $10 per person. Drop ins welcome.

Latin & Ballroom dance classes begin for young people this month. We will start

MONDAY, Sept. 13 from 4-5pm for teens (12 – 18 actually)

TUESDAY, Sept 14 from 3-4pm for kids age 6-11

Eight weeks of group lessons will be $99 per student.

Call to register: 302-252-8525

Lesya Collins from Delaware was a student of mine back in my home country of Georgia. She recently stopped by the studio to check it out — and we, of course, had to dance!

Lesya and Gia enjoy a salsa dance

Salsa – click here to view