New Mexico ballroom dancers hauled their sequins, suspenders, fringes, feathers, and fedoras out of the mothballs to strut their slinky stuff and sparkle under the dance hall lights.
The occasion was the Roaring ’20s Great Gatsby dance party, celebrating the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece and hosted by the North Central New Mexico chapter.
Rosie Harper, president of Chapter #5047, chose the Great Gatsby theme because she’s always loved the lively, playful feeling of the Charleston and the fun fringes and feathers of “flapper” outfits. “I danced the Charleston on stage when I was a college co-ed vying for ‘Miss East Stroudsburg State College,” Rosie said. (She was first runner-up.)
John Horton and Debra Speck wore vintage costumes to the June 1 ball. The two, who became friends after meeting in a dance class, attend USA Dance events because it’s a safe space to see friends and meet new people. “It’s really important to get out and socialize,” John said.
Alfonso Guzman, who recently joined USA Dance, swapped his usual cowboy hat for a high-crowned fedora. He showed up a few months ago at a USA Dance event with little experience, but has been taking regular dance lessons after two board members encouraged him to do so. Alfonso’s partner, Joy Rivera, now flies out from New Jersey to join him at lessons and at our USA Dance nights.
Karen and Alec Wallentinsen also shined at the Great Gatsby ball. They’ve been dancing together for years, starting as college students with the University of New Mexico Ballroom Formation Team. Alec is a former competitive figure skater and ice dancer.
Debra Williams, chapter vice president, performed a Quickstep routine with her instructor, Stefan Easter, to “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)” from The Great Gatsby — the 2013 movie, that is. Rosie noted that the Quickstep evolved in New York City in the 1920s from the Foxtrot, Charleston, Peabody, and One-Step.
DJ Doug McClellan queued up more than two dozen popular songs from the 1920s that, a century later, remain well-known, from “Bye, Bye Blackbird” from 1926 — represented by Joe Cocker’s sultry rock and roll version — to “Makin’ Whoopee,” Cole Porter’s “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love,” and timeless Gershwin tunes. He also included famous Latin songs from the era, including “Guantanamera” and “El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor).” And you can’t have a Great Gatsby dance without playing 1923’s “The Charleston.”
All in all, it was a roaring good time!
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Based in Albuquerque, N.M., the North Central New Mexico chapter — Chapter #5047 — hosts parties on the first and third Sundays of the month. Please join us if you’re planning a trip to the Land of Enchantment! Visit www.usadancenm.org for more information.
