On Sunday, January 5, the USA Dance Ohio Chapter #2024 kicked off the new year with its first Sunday dance event on a brisk evening, as temperatures dipped to 25 degrees in Rocky River, Ohio. Despite the chilly weather, approximately 80 dancers gathered to celebrate the joy of ballroom dancing. Also attending were members of Chapters #2063 North Coast and #2094 Sandusky, Ohio.
The night began with a dynamic Tango group class led by Nick Malusky from Elegance Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio. Known for his expertise and engaging teaching style, Nick guided participants through the fundamental steps and techniques of this passionate dance. The class, which ran from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM, offered dancers of all skill levels a chance to refine their Tango moves and set the tone for the evening. DJ Amy Lee provided music for both the instructions and the dance.
Following the class, the floor opened for social ballroom dancing, allowing attendees to showcase their newly learned Tango skills alongside other ballroom and Latin dance styles. The festive atmosphere, filled with laughter and camaraderie, kept dancers energized and moving until 9:30 PM. Amy prepared hot chocolate and biscotti, which were served at the start of the dance.
Overall, the event proved to be a fantastic way to kick off 2024, combining learning, socializing, and the pure joy of dance. The enthusiastic participation demonstrated the chapter’s dedication to fostering a vibrant dance culture, even on a cold winter evening.
With such a strong start, USA Dance 2024 looks forward to hosting many more exciting monthly events. These gatherings will bring together dancers from all walks of life to celebrate the beauty and rhythm of ballroom dance. Be sure to watch for upcoming dates and join in on the fun!
American Dancer thanks Tom Hufnagel for his article. Do you have a dance story to tell? Send it to Managing Editor Rose-Ann Lynch at Americandancer@usadance.org.
Tom Hufnagel is an active member and the Vice President of Chapter #2063 in North Coast, Ohio. He has been a member of USA Dance since the 1990s. Previously, he worked as a Microsoft Office software instructor at ETI Technical College in Niles, Ohio, but he is now retired. Alongside the college director, Renee Zuzolo, he taught East Coast Swing and Waltz to students as a perk to their schooling. Tom learned ballroom dance in Columbus and Grandview Heights, Ohio.
