Dancing in the Park

Hey want to learn how to dance the Foxtrot or the Salsa? Better yet, what about that dance that Johann Strauss made famous? You know, the one they dance over in Vienna. That’s right, the Viennese Waltz!

Well there are a bunch of folks who want to teach you, and you don’t have to go any further than San Diego’s beautiful and famous Balboa Park. You don’t even have to have a partner. It won’t cost you a fortune, either.

How about $5 to learn two different dance styles--$3 if you become a member of the Balboa Park Dancers. The annual membership fee is only $20.

The group meets weekly on Friday and Sunday nights at the historic Balboa Park Club.

The instructors teach group lessons with three levels of instruction: beginning, intermediate and advanced. Depending on the month, they usually pair up a standard ballroom dance and one rhythm or Latin American dance step.

In February, though, they will be teaching both the Tango and the Cha Cha Cha. If you want to learn that Waltz, you’ll have to wait until May, when it will be paired up with the Slow Two Step.

Other dances during the year will include Swing, Rumba, the Quickstep and several other dances.

The second Friday of each month is usually party night, with only one dance step being taught. With the second Friday in February falling on February 14, that’s going to make for a very special Valentine’s Day!

Sometimes the party night even includes live music.

The doors open on both Friday and Sunday nights at 6:45 pm.

So, come one, come all. With a partner or without a partner. Guys who weren’t exactly the stars at their high school proms or pros who just want to have a good time.

By the way, the Club recommends low heels, closed toe and closed heel shoes, and they advertise “a huge hardwood dance floor for learning and improving dance skills.”

If you have an email account and want more information, send an email to bpballroomdancers@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, have a blast!