News For May 2 - 8, 2005

Contents

• Club of the week: Lucky Steppers
• Dance of the week: Lucky Steppers
• Round dance of the week: Silver State
• More Features ...

Club of the week: Lucky Steppers

The Lucky Steppers square dance club has been a fixture on the square dance scene since 1958. They meet in of Santa Cruz on Thursday nights. The club is well known for hosting a series of slab dances in Ben Lomond (in the Santa Cruz mountains) every summer.

According to club president DeAnne Alcorn, the club started when one of the charter members was going stir crazy with two kids at home, and her husband needed to learn to have fun. They knew and contacted Harold Furlong, who was a young, avid dancer and caller. They got a group together and after 15 weeks were declared accomplished square and round dancers.

Harold Furlong called for about ten years, after which Ernie Trimpey called for a short time. Harold Fleeman has been calling for the club since 1967, which might make him the longest-lasting caller in the area.

The club currently has about 30 members. They try to hold a beginner class every year, which is not always easy. In a situation that has become increasingly typical, last year they had several false starts before getting a full square of beginners. The club accepts all beginners, of any age, singles or couples. The club is always supportive of the newer dancers. Caller Harold Fleeman and several dancers attended the Sunnyvale Singles Spring Fling newer dancer hoedown recently.

Thursday evening club nights start with a round dance teach by Sue and Phil Harris. The remainder of the evening is split between the square dance teach and club-level dancing.

Lucky Steppers hosts several dances every year. In July and August they host the popular series of slab dances in Ben Lomond. These include the club's anniversary dance in July, and a special A2 level dance in August. In 2005, the anniversary dance takes place on July 23, and the other dances take place on each of the four Saturday evenings in August.

The club also invites everyone to their annual Toy Dance, this year to be held Thursday, December 1, 2005. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.

During the class season, Lucky Steppers sponsors a September-level newer dancer hoedown and a January-level hoedown. This year, the January class hoedown takes place on May 7, 2005 at John Muir School in San Jose.

For more information:
Newer Dancer Hoedowns in San Jose
Lucky Steppers Web Page

Dance of the week: Lucky Steppers

Lucky Steppers sponsors a January class newer dancer hoedown on May 7, 2005 at John Muir School in San Jose. Long-time club caller Harold Fleeman leads the festivities.

For more information:
Newer Dancer Hoedowns in San Jose
Lucky Steppers Web Site

Round dance of the week: Silver State

The Silver State squre and round dance festival, held every year in early May, is upon us again! The weekend features separate halls for Mainstream, Plus, Advanced, and Rounds. There are also part-time programs for Youth and Handicapables.

All dancing takes place inside the Reno Hilton, which makes it easy to move from hall to hall, get to dancing early in the morning, and stay up late to play ... the hotel has several nice restaurants, a mall downstairs, and, of course, gambling.

Silver State always has a great round dance program, and this year is no exception. Bill and Linda Maisch of southern California will teach three dances at Phases 4, 5, and 6 on Saturday. There are also three-hour dance parties on Friday and Saturday evening, hosted by Bill and Linda Maisch and Tami Helms of Portland.

The Mainstream, Plus, and Advanced halls also feature round dancing between tips. cued by local cuers.

See you there!

For more information:
Silver State Web Site

Last updated Friday 26 September 2008