Information about Ballroom dances was recorded in Europe near the end of the 16th century. Traditionally, most balls were hosted in private residences, palaces, and historical museums. The most famous ballroom in the world, built in l894, was the Blackpool Tower in Blackpool, United Kingdom. The floor is an architectural dream comprised of a beautiful herringbone design of mahogany, oak, and walnut.
Vienna, Austria, still holds the annual Vienna Opera Ball. One night each year, the auditorium of the Vienna State Opera is transformed into a grand ballroom where the oldest dance, the Viennese Waltz, is danced. You will enjoy orchestra bands and ballroom dancing in the evening in the courtyards of Vienna.
For the Stuart Z. family, Ballroom tradition started in 1983 when Stu secretly started taking dance lessons to see if it might be something he and his beautiful wife, Joanne (presently married sixty years), could do together. Stu discovered that dance was a life changer. It is a fun, healthy sport that brings people together.
With romantic aspirations, Stu and Joanne incorporated the magic of dance at their homes in Pennsylvania and Florida. They joined the exclusive non-profit organization,” Ballroom Dance Club of Naples.” The club holds seven dinner dance events between mid-November and mid-April. They feature live five-piece bands; four of the events are semi-informal, and three events are formal. The most popular dances are Smooth, such as Waltz and Foxtrot. Latin dances are Rumba and Cha Cha, with an occasional Meringue or Samba. Events are often held at the Vineyards Country Club, which gleams with exquisite details, including crystal chandeliers and spacious high ceilings.
In June, the family retreats to their home in Pennsylvania. With Stu’s architectural background and Joanne’s exquisite taste in decorating, they created a 1,250-square-foot ballroom floor, which is the central point of their home. Walking through the door is like walking back in time when most Balls were held in private residences, palaces, and historical museums. The tantalizing beauty of the past is reflected by the beautiful hardwood “sprung” floor surrounded by decorative art and mirrors that reflect the light from a sparkling disco ball.
Stu fondly reminisced about the time when fourteen couples, all dressed in formal wear, attended a ball at their Pennsylvania home. It was a memorable and fun evening, with friends bringing new friends to the event. With two daughters and a son, the ballroom has been the place of many family events, including a wedding, several concerts, family parties, and countless other wonderful affairs.
It’s difficult for Stu and Joanne to imagine living in a house without a ballroom! The fairy tale legacy continues since the middle daughter and her husband, Cindy and Mike, took dance lessons at the same studio as their parents.
The Stu and Joanne family will keep Ballroom dance in their lives, wherever they are.
