T h e
N e w s l l e
Y o t u o r t
M h e o n
B t e h s l l y t
O n e -
B a l l l l r o
S o u r o o m P c e G u i i d
P a r t i i e s e t t t t e r r i i n S a n D i i e g o -
J a n u a r y , , 2 0 1 0
- Synerg y Dance Zone “Friday Nite with Peter & Amy” - 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:30, Synergy
Dance Zone (weekly)
- Champion Friday “Fun Dance” – 8:00-10:00PM, Champion Ballroom (weekly)
- Dance Motion Studios Monthly Practice Party – 8:00-9:30PM, Dance Motion Studios (monthly – 1 st Fridays)
- Balboa Park Dancers Monthly social - 7:00-9:40PM, embedded lesson, Balboa Park Club (monthly – 2 nd
Fridays)
- Dance For 2 Biweekly Dance Mix Party – 8:00-10:30PM, embedded lesson at 8:15, Dance For 2
(biweekly – 1 st & 3 rd Saturdays)
- S.D. Smooth Dancers “1 st Saturday Monthly Social” – 8:00-11:00PM, Champion Ballroom (monthly – 1 st
Saturday)
- Pattie Wells 1 st Saturday Latin/Ballroom Party - 8:30-10:30PM, lesson at 8:00, Pattie Wells
Dancetime Center (monthly – 1 st Saturday)
- USA Dance, 1 st Saturday Party – 8:00-11:00+PM, lesson at 7:00, Dance North County (monthly
– 1 st Saturday)
- High Society Ballroom “2 nd Saturday Social” – 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:30, Synergy Dance Zone (monthly –
2 nd Saturday)
- “It Takes 2” Dance Party, 2 nd Saturday – 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:00, Champion Ballroom (monthly – 2 nd
Saturday)
- Starlight Monthly 3 rd Saturday Ballroom Party – 7:30-10:00+PM , lesson at 7:00, Starlight (monthly – 3 rd
Saturday)
- USA Dance, 4 th Saturday Party – 8:00-11:00+PM, lesson at 7:00, Synergy Dance Zone
(monthly – 4 th Saturday)
- Chinese Club Monthly Social - 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:00, Champion Ballroom (monthly – last Saturday)
- Tuesday Night Parties (Yulia Maluta) – 8:00-9:30PM, lesson at 7:00, Dance North County (weekly – Tuesday)
- Wednesday Night Parties (Mary Manzella) – 8:00-10:30PM, lesson at 7:30, DanceFor2 (weekly – Wednesday)

- Balboa Park Club Bldg : 2250 Pan American Way, Balboa Park (near Aerospace Museum), SD, 619.685.3659, www.balboaparkdancers.org
- Champion Ballroom Academy (Mary Murphy, owner): 3580 Fifth Ave., SD, 619.291.7722, www.championballroom.com
- DanceFor2 Studio (Shawn Torgerson, owner): 7528 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., SD, 858.565.9575, www.dancefor2.com
- Dance Motion Studios (Robert & Sonia Kacprzak, owner s ): 12120 Alta Carmel Ct., Rancho Bernardo, 858.451.3775, www.dancemotionstudios.com
- Dance North County (Dave Tomko, owner): 535 Encinitas Blvd., Ste. 100, Encinitas, 760.942.6362, www.dancenorthcounty.com
- El Mundo del Tango : Tango del Rey Building, 3567 Del Rey Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.689.2422 www.elmundodeltango.com
- Infinity Dance Sport Center (Yolanda Vargas, owner): 4428 Convoy St., Ste. 288, San Diego,
858.560.4372 www.infinitydancesportcenter.com
- Pattie Wells DanceTime Studio (Pattie Wells, owner): 1255 W. Morena Blvd., SD, 619.275.3533, www.dancetime.com
- Starlight Dance Studio (Michael Kiehm, owner): 6506-H El Cajon Blvd., SD, 619.287.9036, www.starlightdance.com
- Synergy Dance Zone (Peter Edwards, owner): 7480 Miramar Rd., SD, 858.268.4011, www.synergydancezone.com
- Whirl Ballroom (new studio): 2670 Via de la Valle, Ste. A-215 (Flower Hill Mall), Del Mar, 858.350.9447, www.whirlballroom.com
- Balboa Park Ballroom Dancers : 619.685.3659, www.balboaparkdancers.org
- Chinese Club of San Diego : 858.693.0927, Jacky Yu, 855.538.5677, vp@sdchineseclub.org
, www.sdchineseclub.org
- Dance Passion Connection , Yulia Maluta 760.271.7183, www.dancepassionconnection.com
- High Society Ballroom: Klair Cristiani, 213.448.4475, kcristiani@gmail.com
- “It Takes 2”: Jonathan Lee, www.ittakes2danceparty.com
- “ Love to Dance ”: Connie Massey / Ron Jones, 858.729.5573
- North County Swing & Ballroom Dance Club (NCSBDC): Mary Manzella, 619.229.0141, www.marymanzellaproductions.com
- Palomar Smooth Dancers : Amiel Sharon, danaamiel@cox.net
, www.palomarsmoothdancers.org
- San Diego Smooth Dancers : Melissa Dennison at 619.988.1227, www.SDSDwebsite.com
- San Diego Viennese Waltz Club : www.sandiegowaltz.org
- San Diego Vintage Dance Society : Mary Jennings, 619.286.5848, www.lahacal.org/sandiego.html
- Tangoessence : Linda Garwood, 619.583.8178, www.tangoessence.net
- The Asian Tango Club , Banny Hom, 619.277.8899, bannyhom@yahoo.com
- USA Dance : Art Lashbrook, 760.525.5124, www.usadancesd.org
“All parties listed are open to the public, all are welcome”
WEEK 1
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Friday, January 1, 2009
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 Champion “Friday Fun Dance”, weekly studio party: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Champion Ballroom Academy , 8:00-10:00PM, $5
---- NO PARTY TONIGHT. HAPPY NEW YEARS! ----
Host/DJ: Champion staff
 “Friday Night with Peter & Amy”: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Synergy Dance Zone, 8:00-11:00PM, $5 ($3 students)
---- NO PARTY TONIGHT. HAPPY NEW YEARS! ----
Host/DJ: Peter Edwards/studio staff
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Saturday, January 2, 2009
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 S.D.S.D. 1 st Saturday Monthly Social: Ballroom, Latin, Swing

Champion Ballroom Academy , 8:00-11:00PM, $10 ($5 members)
---- NO PARTY THIS MONTH (next party Feb. 6, 2010) ----
Host/DJ: San Diego Smooth Dancers
 Dance For 2 “Dance Mix Party”: Swing, Tango, Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Club
Dance For 2 , 8:00-10:30PM, $8 ($3 Dance For 2 Discount members)
Special – visit the web site and get $1 off admission
Lesson at 8:15PM, included with admission
Host/DJ: Shawn Torgerson, Dance For 2 staff
 “USA Dance” 1st-Saturday party: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Night Club Mix
Dance North County, 8:00-11:00+PM, $7 ($5 student, $4 USA Dance members)
Dress to impress / casual.
Simultaneous beginning and intermediate chacha lessons at 7:00-8:00, included with party admission
Host/DJ: Art Lashbrook, SD Chapter USA DANCE
 Pattie Wells monthly social dance: “Latin, Ballroom”
Pattie Wells Dancetime Center , 8:30-10:30 PM, $7 ($4 students)
Lesson at 8:00PM, included with party admission
Host/DJ: Dancetime Instructors
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Tuesday, January 5, 2009
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 “Dance Passion Connection Tuesday Nights”: Latin/Ballroom/Club
Dance North County, 8:00-9:30PM, $8
Lesson at 7:00, $15 includes party admission.
Host: Yulia Maluta
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Wednesday, January 6, 2009
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 “Wednesday Night Parties”, your mid-week fix: WCS/Hustle/ChaCha/Swing/Ballroom/Latin
DanceFor2 Studio, 8:00-10:30PM, $8 ($7 NCSBDC members)
Lesson at 7:30 included with party admission
Host: Mary Manzella
WEEK 2
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Friday, January 8, 2009
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 “Friday Night with Peter & Amy”: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Synergy Dance Zone, 8:00-11:00PM, $5 ($3 students)
Lesson at 7:30, included with admission
Host/DJ: Peter Edwards/studio staff
 Balboa Park Ballroom Dancers’ Monthly Social: Ballroom, Latin, Swing
Balboa Park Club (Balboa Park) , 7:30-9:45PM, $4 non-members (free for members)
Doors open 6:45PM. CAUTION – schedule subject to last minute changes
Embedded lesson, included with admission
Host/DJ: Balboa Park Ballroom Dancers/Stephen Showers
 Dance Motion Studios Monthly Practice Party: Ballroom/Latin/Club
Dance Motion Studios, 8:00-9:30PM, $7
Lesson at 7:15, $15 includes party admission ($20/couple).
Host/DJ: Robert & Sonia Kacprzak
 Champion “Friday Fun Dance”, weekly studio party: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Champion Ballroom Academy , 8:00-10:00PM, $5
Lesson at 7:00, $12 includes party admission
Host/DJ: Champion staff
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Saturday, January 9, 2009
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 “High Society Ballroom” 2 nd Saturday Social: Ballroom, Latin, Club Mix
Synergy Dance Zone , 8:00-11:00 PM, $7 ($4 students)
Lesson at 7:30, included with party admission
Host/DJ: Klair & Lisa / “High Society Ballroom”
 “It Takes 2” Dance Party: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Champion Ballroom Academy , 8:00-11:00 PM, $7

Lesson at 7:00, included with party admission
Host/DJ: Jonathan Lee
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Tuesday, January 12, 2009
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 “Dance Passion Connection Tuesday Nights”: Latin/Ballroom/Club
Dance North County, 8:00-9:30PM, $8
Lesson at 7:00, $15 includes party admission.
Host: Yulia Maluta
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Wednesday, January 13, 2009
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 “Wednesday Night Parties”, your mid-week fix: WCS/Hustle/ChaCha/Swing/Ballroom/Latin
DanceFor2 Studio, 8:00-10:30PM, $8 ($7 NCSBDC members)
Lesson at 7:30 included with party admission
Host: Mary Manzella
WEEK 3
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Friday, January 15, 2009
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 “Friday Night with Peter & Amy”: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Synergy Dance Zone, 8:00-11:00PM, $5 ($3 students)
Lesson at 7:30, included with admission
Host/DJ: Peter Edwards/studio staff
 Champion “Friday Fun Dance”, weekly studio party: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Champion Ballroom Academy , 8:00-10:00PM, $5
Lesson at 7:00, $12 includes party admission
Host/DJ: Champion staff
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Saturday, January 16, 2009
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 Starlight’s 27 th Anniversary Party: Ballroom, Latin, Swing
Starlight Dance Studio , 7:00-?? PM, $35
Special anniversary celebration includes catered buffet dinner and exciting performances
Host/DJ: Michael & Dawne Kiehm
 Dance For 2 “Dance Mix Party”: Swing, Tango, Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Club
Dance For 2 , 8:00-10:30PM, $8 ($3 Dance For 2 Discount members)
Special – visit the web site and get $1 off admission
Lesson at 8:15PM, included with admission
Host/DJ: Shawn Torgerson, Dance For 2 staff
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Tuesday, January 19, 2009
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 “Dance Passion Connection Tuesday Nights”: Latin/Ballroom/Swing
Dance North County, 8:00-9:30PM, $8
-- January birthday celebration tonight! Cake, refreshments --
Lesson at 7:00, $15 includes party admission.
Host: Yulia Maluta
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Wednesday, January 20, 2009
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 “Wednesday Night Parties”, your mid-week fix: WCS/Hustle/ChaCha/Swing/Ballroom/Latin
DanceFor2 Studio, 8:00-10:30PM, $8 ($7 NCSBDC members)
Special: Christmas party – wear your favorite holiday festive attire
Lesson at 7:30, included with party admission.
Host: Mary Manzella
WEEK 4
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Friday, January 22, 2009
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 “Friday Night with Peter & Amy”: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Synergy Dance Zone, 8:00-11:00PM, $5 ($3 students)
Lesson at 7:30, included with admission
Host/DJ: Peter Edwards/studio staff
 Champion “Friday Fun Dance”, weekly studio party: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Champion Ballroom Academy , 8:00-10:00PM, $5
Lesson at 7:00, $12 includes party admission
Host/DJ: Champion staff
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Saturday, January 23, 2009
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 “USA Dance” 4 thSaturday party: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Club Mix
Synergy Dance Zone , 8:00-11:00+PM, $7 ($5 student, $4 USA Dance members)
Lesson at 7:00PM, included with party admission
Host/DJ: Art Lashbrook/Abe Singer, SD Chapter USA DANCE
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Tuesday, January 26, 2009
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 “Dance Passion Connection Tuesday Nights”: Latin/Ballroom/Swing
Dance North County, 8:00-9:30PM, $8
Lesson at 7:00, $15 includes party admission.
Host: Yulia Maluta
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Wednesday, January 27, 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 “Wednesday Night Parties”, your mid-week fix: WCS/Hustle/ChaCha/Swing/Ballroom/Latin
DanceFor2 Studio, 8:00-10:30PM, $8 ($7 NCSBDC members)
Lesson at 7:30, included with party admission.
Host: Mary Manzella
WEEK 5
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Friday, January 29, 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 “Friday Night with Peter & Amy”: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Synergy Dance Zone, 8:00-11:00PM, $5 ($3 students)
Lesson at 7:30, included with admission
Host/DJ: Peter Edwards/studio staff
 Champion “Friday Fun Dance”, weekly studio party: Ballroom, Latin, Club
Champion Ballroom Academy , 8:00-10:00PM, $5
Lesson at 7:00, $12 includes party admission
Host/DJ: Champion staff
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Saturday, January 30, 2009
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 The “Chinese Club of S.D.” social & monthly party: Chinese and Standard Ballroom music
Champion Ballroom Academy, 8:00-11:00 PM, $7
Lesson at 7:00 included with party admission
Host/DJ: Chinese Club of S.D. (CCSD)/Jacky Yu, Linda Gu
 Viennese Nights: A Ball: Waltz, Polka, Quadrilles
Balboa Park Club , 7:00-10:15 PM, $40 ($35 prepaid, $25 student)
Featuring live orchestra. Formal/Period attire see details in ‘ NOTICES ’ in Section V
Host: San Diego Vintage Dance Society
 Dance For 2 ”Music That Moves Us” Showcase
Dance For 2 , 7:00-10:00PM, -- watch for details upcoming –
Host/DJ: Shawn Torgerson, Dance For 2 staff

The year 1885 brought the first publication of Allen Dodworth’s classic dance book, “Dancing and Its Relation to Education and Social Life”. In it, he gives dance etiquette tips such as not to spit on the floor and advice to gentlemen to remove their hats before dancing. Luckily in today’s world, we see few breeches of these rules, but we can all use reminders of others, and what better time than the beginning o f a new year! Here’s a reminder of the general rules of etiquette appropriate for contemporary ballroom dancing.
1. Observe the dress code. Shorts, jeans or t-shirts are generally NOT appropriate dress for a ballroom party.
2. You are at the party to have fun, but remember to keep your fun a bit refined. You’re at a ballroom party, not in a rowdy smoke filled honky-tonk.
3. The man should escort the lady onto the dance floor to dance and escort her back to her seat after the dance.
4. If you are asked to dance and decline, you should then wait out the whole dance before dancing again.
5. Go to the center of the floor if you prefer doing a non-traveling dance such as a swing when the music is for a traveling dance like a foxtrot or quickstep. Use the center of the floor also when doing a stationary pattern in a traveling dance, if either partner wants to slow down or rest, or if the couple cannot keep up with the traffic. The outer part of the floor represents the main line of dance. Dancing against the line of dance for more than a step or so on a crowded floor is unacceptable and can be dangerous.
6. View the dance floor as a busy highway. Crossing or standing on the floor during a dance is obstructive and can be dangerous. When not dancing, walk around the floor rather than across it to get to the other side.
7. Do not try to dance at a level above that of your partner. It will only create frustration and can lead to awkward avoidance by that partner in the future.
8. When dancing, do not bump into or even graze other couples. Apologize if you do, regardless of who is at fault. If the floor is packed, do not attempt the fancy big moves that take more than your share of space.
9. Be pleasant and change partners often. Repeatedly dancing with the same partner at a social party is frowned upon and can upset the party dynamics. In this respect, the gentleman should escort his partner off the floor at the end of each dance giving someone else a chance to request the next dance.
10. Unsolicited teaching is a no-no at a ballroom party! Even if tempted, be gracious and thank your partner for the dance while complimenting your partner’s strengths. If asked, you may demonstrate a pattern or technique briefly during the dance in the center of the floor, but be sure to move off the floor at the end of the dance.
11. The gentleman is responsible for protecting his lady, and avoiding injuries occurring on the floor. If either a man or a lady finds him/herself with a partner who dances in an uncontrolled or bizarre manner, do not take risks. Insist on going to the center of the floor, or leave the floor and quit the dance.
-GW
- Starlight Dance Studio will be celebrating its 27 th anniversary with its special ‘Starcase’ party on Saturday, Jan.
16 th , 2010 beginning at 7:00PM, $35 per person. The special event will include a buffet dinner catered by “Elegant
Buffets”, exciting performances and lots of general dancing. Attendance will be limited to 200 people, and a limited number of tickets are still available at Carmen’s Dance Shoes adjacent to the Starlight studio (Tues.-Sat., 10AM-
6PM). For more information, please contact the studio at 619.287.9036 or www.starlightdance.com
.
- Pattie Wells ’ 4 th Saturday Fusion parties, which have included ballroom and Latin dancing, will be replaced with a
Latin/Ballroom party on the 1 st Saturday of each month beginning on January 2, 2010, 8:00PM, $7. Please visit www.dancetime.com
for further details.
- Dance Motion Studios has announced a new monthly Friday night studio party for 2010 on the 1 st Fridays of each month, 8:00-9:30PM, $7 admission. A lesson prior to the party (7:15PM) is offered at $15 per person ($20 per couple) and includes party admission. Due to New Year’s Day on Friday, Jan. 1 st , the January 2010 party will be held on Friday, Jan. 8 th . The Thursday parties will no longer be held. Please visit www.dancemotionstudios.com
for additional information.
- There will be no regular Friday night party at Synergy Dance Zone on Friday, Jan. 1 st . The studio will be closed for the New Year’s holiday.
- There will be no regular Friday night party at Champion Ballroom on Friday, Jan. 1 st the New Year’s holiday.
. The studio will be closed for

- The next San Diego Smooth Dancers ’ social will be February 6 th , 2010. Due to the New Year’s Eve party on
Thursday, Dec. 31 st , there will be no regular January party.
- Lou and Amante have announced discontinuation of their very popular 3 rd Saturday ‘Danz Option’ party at Synergy
Dance Zone as of December, 2009. Many thanks to Lou and Amante for the great times they’ve provided for the
San Diego dance community over the years!
- The San Diego Vintage Dance Society invites you to their “Viennese Nights: A Ball” on Saturday, January 30,
2010, 7:00-10:15PM at the Balboa Park Club in San Diego’s downtown Balboa Park, $35 prepaid (before Jan.
15), $40 at the door, $25 student/military. The dance ball will feature live authentic music for waltz, polka, quadrilles and more, with The Grand Pacific Waltz Orchestra, an 11-piece orchestra under direction of Mr. Joe Dyke. Mid- to late 19 th century ball wear is encouraged; formal, semi-formal or cocktail required. An afternoon class is available, noon-2PM for $20 ($15 students). For tickets, please visit www.orgsites.com/ca/sdvdance , call 858.414.6516, or send check payable to SDVDS with SASE to c/o SDVDS, 4376 Benhurst Ave., San Diego, CA 92122.
- Dance For 2 will hold its “Music That Moves Us” Showcase at the studio on Saturday, January 30, 2010, 7-10PM.
Details will be announced soon. Please check the web site for further information: www.dancefor2.com
.
- Video of the month: evolution of quickstep… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6KDtr_RP5Q
- Send your announcements, party notices and updates to SDDanceVibes@san.rr.com
.
Carl Mann (Jan. 2)
Katherine Keeling (Jan. 3)
Marina Spector (Jan. 4)
Amy Lee (Jan. 6)
Dan Delino (Jan. 9)
Eliana Uretsky (Jan. 10)
Antoinette (Jan. 10)
Richard Wagner (Jan. 11)
Karen Flynn (Jan. 13)
Paula Sloan (Jan. 17)
Cyndy Fena (Jan. 18)
Cristina Versari (Jan. 18)
Glenn Walker (Jan. 21)
Rich Cobalt (Jan. 23)
Trish Macarock (Jan. 26)
Pam Siccamoore (Jan. 27)
Don’t be MIA on the birthday list!! Register your birthdate (month/day) at SDDanceVibes@san.rr.com
Starlight Dance Studio (Michael Kiehm, owner): 6506-H El Cajon Blvd., SD, 619.287.9036, www.starlightdance.com

Approx. 3,000 sq. ft. hardwood dance floor, is always very clean, uncluttered and consistent. Aside from the 3 supporting posts down the middle of the floor which dancers must deftly navigate around, the floor is top notch and excellent for any ballroom dance. This is the only studio in town in which seating is set up on all 4 sides of the dance floor. This studio, celebrating its 27 th anniversary this month, draws the largest dance student enrollment of any San Diego studio with world class instructors in Country, WCS, night club and Argentine tango as well as ballroom/Latin. It is the only studio in town complementing its ballroom parties with a full slate of bronze, silver and gold level monthly progressive group ballroom lessons. The format and overall party ambience is top notch.
The studio also has a smaller practice/classroom floor in a separate room, which itself is big enough for its own party. Starlight is located in a strip mall several miles east of the central San Diego action spots and less than 2 miles from I-8 access near San Diego State University. There is ample free parking.
Champion Ballroom Academy (Mary Murphy, owner): 3580 Fifth Ave., SD, 619.291.7722, www.championballroom.com
At a pprox. 3,200 sq. ft. the studio’s hardwood dance floor is the local favorite to many of San Diego’s most avid dancers. The floor is fully sprung, comfortable and responsive. The studio, now in its 20 th year, has been known as the premier training and practice facility for numerous standard and Latin dance champions, and its celebrity owner, Mary Murphy, has become a popular television star and judge on Fox’s hit t.v. show “ So You Think You
Can Dance ”. This is the only studio in town with a large, off-floor seating area capable of accommodating large groups for dining with the dancing. However, the large tables are left in place between events giving the studio more of a cafeteria rather than café ambiance on most party nights. Many special ballroom events are held here during the year (showcases, holiday galas, etc.), and additional seating, often required for such events, is set up right on the dance floor (which reduces the danceable floor space). The studio also has a smaller practice/classroom floor in a separate room. With a central, Uptown location, it is convenient from the freeways and almost anywhere in San Diego county, with free street parking usually available within a few blocks, or paid
($2) parking in nearby lots.
DanceFor2 Studio (Shawn Torgerson, owner): 7528 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., SD, 858.565.9575, www.dancefor2.com
Now in its 2 nd year at its new location, the studio offers a model dance venue which has become a popular meeting place for dancers of all genres. It has 3 ballrooms, including the main area featuring a fully sprung, very comfortable 2000 sq. ft. floor and state of the art music and lighting. The seating area with small tables on two sides of the floor can comfortably seat 80 or more guests, and a bar like setup near the entrance of the main floor gives the studio a bit of a ‘nightclub’ feel. A smaller dance floor (approx. 600+ sq. ft.) in an adjacent soundproof room, and another (approx. 500 sq. ft.) in an upstairs location, can accommodate swing and Argentine tango parties simultaneously with the main floor ballroom parties. DF2’s party schedule offers Friday night swing parties, tango milongas, and ballroom mix parties on the 1 st and 3 rd Saturdays most months. There is plenty of free parking and the studio has an ideal location in a Clairemont-Mesa business park convenient to I-805, I-163 and I-
52.
Synergy Dance Zone (Peter Edwards, owner): 7480 Miramar Rd., SD, 858.268.4011, www.synergydancezone.net
This studio has been a huge success in its nearly 3 years since opening, attracting large classes and a packed house most party nights. It has a 2,300 sq. ft. floating floor, one long side of which runs along a set of large picture windows on a 2 nd story location. A raised platform accommodating a night club style seating area is located at the back (away from the entrance) which provides good but cozy viewing of the dance floor. The studio, which offers a friendly, attractive ambience and attracts a younger, highly energized crowd, has dance parties most Saturdays, offers studio practice parties every Friday night, and monthly ‘memberships’ allow free admission to the practice parties. The studio also has a smaller practice/classroom floor in the back. Location is in the
‘Pyramid’ complex on Miramar Rd., midway between I-805 and I-15, a convenient location from North County and
San Diego. Plenty of free parking in a well-lit lot. (elevator access available to 2 nd floor ).
Dance Motion Studios (Robert & Sonia Kacprzak, owner s ): 12120 Alta Carmel Ct., Rancho Bernardo, 858.451.3775, www.dancemotionstudios.com
Now in its 3 rd year, this studio continues to serve dancers of the San Diego I-15 corridor well. The floor is more square than rectangular, but is a large, wood floor at approximately 2,100 sq. ft., sprung and very clean. Located in Rancho Bernardo, the venue serves R.B., Poway, Escondido and surrounding neighborhoods as well as North
County and other San Diegans willing to travel to R.B. The studio, which hosts several very nice usually-sold out showcase events each year, is inviting with friendly people and some excellent party music and many new faces, mostly beginning level dancers. The studio, offering a variety which includes ballroom, jazz, hip hop, ballet, salsa and zumba fitness, holds monthly ballroom practice parties and occasional special events. Tucked away in a small strip mall several blocks from I-15 at Camino del Norte, it is very accessible from S.D. North communities, and has plenty of free parking.
Dance North County (Dave Tomko, owner): 535 Encinitas Blvd., Ste. 100, Encinitas, 760.942.6362, www.dancenorthcounty.com

Open for over 15 years, this studio, with its approx. 1,200 sq. ft. floating dance floor, is good for practicing beginning ballroom and for the stationary/rhythm dances. However, being a smaller floor, it presents difficulties for the more advanced ballroom dancers, especially on crowded nights, not to mention limited seating. This is the best studio in the North County Coastal area and always has plenty going on – from ballroom and Latin to
Flamenco and belly dancing – offering parties and lessons nearly every night. The studio also has a smaller adjacent classroom floor. It is located in a business park just off I-5 making it a convenient drive for most North
County (Del Mar to Oceanside) residents. The studio has plenty of free parking in an adjacent lot.
Pattie Wells DanceTime Studio (Pattie Wells, owner): 1255 W. Morena Blvd., SD, 619.275.3533, www.dancetime.com
Known for its popular long-running Sunday night jitterbug parties – and now its tango milongas on Friday nights – this studio has been well established for over 10 years and offers a 1,300 sq. ft. main upstairs dance floor and a smaller practice floor downstairs. The studio also hosts monthly ballroom-mix parties (1 st Saturdays), although the main floor is a little on the small side to do a good quickstep or Viennese Waltz especially on a crowded party night. But the hardwood floor is excellent for its purpose, which is an intimate setting for beginners to practice their lessons and meet new people. Very convenient location to coastal San Diego areas, Clairemont, Bay Park, downtown and Mission Valley, just a couple of minutes from the I-5 / I-8 interchange with free parking on the street (in front) or in small lot (in back).
Balboa Park Club Bldg : 2250 Pan American Way, Balboa Park (near Aerospace Museum), SD www.balboaparkdancers.org
At about 11,000 sq. ft. of hardwood, this is the largest floor in town and home to many dance groups including
Balboa Park’s ballroom dance group, “Balboa Park Dancers”. The venue also occasionally hosts formal balls and special dance events during the year. In a city-owned, multipurpose facility, the floor is not maintained strictly for dancing sometimes making it difficult to perform at your best. Hours of operation are also limited with reduced
Park district funding. Nevertheless, the huge floor is the main attraction drawing large crowds , and it’s a great venue for lessons and practice, offering plenty of opportunities to aspiring dancers in a non-threatening environment. Located in central San Diego’s Balboa Park, there’s plenty of free parking in the lots serving the
Aerospace Museum and the Starlite Bowl.
Infinity Dance Sport Center (Yolanda Vargas, owner): 4428 Convoy St., Suite 288, San Diego, 858.560.4372
This brand new studio, owned and operated by life-long dancer and San Diego native Yolanda Vargas, is in a spacious ground floor location which now accommodates Yolanda’s dance accessory shop, “Ballroom Boutique”, and has a huge main dance floor. The central location is on Convoy St. just off Balboa Ave. in Kearny Mesa, and is near major freeways and easily accessible from almost anywhere in San Diego. There is plentiful free parking.
Look for further details in upcoming issues of “ The San Diego DanceVibes Newsletter ”.
Starlight Monthly Studio Ballroom Party (monthly 3 rd Saturdays, 7:30-10:00PM, lesson at 7:00, Starlight , $ 7 )
This monthly studio party draws some of the best social ballroom dancers in town. The floor is large and clean, the ambience is top notch, and the music mix includes a larger proportion of ballroom (vs. Latin/Swing) compared with the other parties in town. The music is rated best in San Diego for ballroom by most regulars, and the mix includes many of the traditional favorites with a slower “Standard” tempo, and an occasional mixer. Often, the crowds are smaller leaving more room to dance, and the party has a much welcomed mood of civility compared with other ballroom parties in town where dancers’ knowledge of – and more likely adherence to – traditional ballroom etiquette is evident. This is a long-running ongoing party that has remained the party of choice for the ballroom purist .
Host/DJ: David Alexander. Music mix: ~55% ballroom/~45% Latin-club. Average attendance =
35-60. Dancing level: ***** (see key below).
High Society Ballroom’s “2 nd Saturday Social” (monthly 2 nd Saturdays, 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:30, Synergy Dance
Zone , $7 ($4 students))
This monthly party, just started up in November by professional dancer Klair Cristiani, her sister Lisa, and “High
Society Ballroom” members, has drawn sizeable crowds to its first two parties with a demonstrated commitment to serious fun. The music includes several lovely waltzes and a good mix of other ballroom numbers, while many of the Latin and club selections seem faster tempo and an extra challenge to keep up the pace for dancers at the social level. Nevertheless, a good blend of experienced and beginning level dancers with frequent partner changes keeps things lively. The party hosts, all excellent dancers and leading examples of the smart/dressycasual dress code for this event, give guests an extra treat by participating as exuberant dancers in addition to acting as welcoming hosts, a mind-set not seen at many ballroom parties. A waltz mixer, excellent refreshments, and games with some pretty great prizes add to the fun and keep the crowd energized. Host/DJ: Klair & Lisa
Cristiani/”High Society Ballroom”. Music mix: ~45% ballroom/55% Latin-club. Approx. attendance = 80-100.
Dancing level: ****

S.D.
Smooth Dancers “1 st Saturday Monthly Social” (monthly 1 st Saturdays, 8:00-11:00PM, Champion Ballroom , $10
($5 members) (higher for special events))
This is a longstanding, traditional party on many dancers’ permanent calendar held by San Diego’s chapter of the
“National Smooth Dancers” organization. The music mix includes many traditional favorites and fewer ‘club’ dances (salsa, swing, merengue) found at other parties, although without a regular DJ, there are frequent glitches in the execution as well as the music mix. Dancing on the spacious Champion Ballroom floor is always a pleasure, and the environment is friendly for social night, always nicely decorated and with plenty of refreshments.
The party attracts a very loyal, more seasoned crowd with some excellent dancers, and unfortunately, never enough men. Parties include mixers, a monthly theme, and special event or performance. Host/DJ: SDSD. Music mix: ~60% ballroom/~40% Latin-club. Average attendance = 90-1 1 0. Dancing level: *****
Chinese Club Monthly Social (monthly, last Saturday s , 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:00, Champion Ballroom , $7)
This party has improved its music mix over the past year, but continues with its familiar format consisting of a 1hour beginning ballroom lesson, followed by 3 full hours of dance music. The music, which includes a nice blend of traditional and contemporary Ballroom, Club and Latin, includes many of the classic ballroom favorites that you seldom hear elsewhere anymore, and a number of night club and Argentine tango selections. The average dance level has also improved in recent months, and the dancing is usually punctuated with a performance and mixer.
The party draws a large loyal crowd mixed with newer dancers as well as ‘regulars’, and the crowd seems to be significantly larger during months with 5 Saturdays when there are no competing parties. Host/DJ: Jacky Yu ,
Linda Gu. Music mix: ~45% ballroom/55% Latin-club. Average attendance = 8 0-100. Dancing level: ** *
USA Dance, 4 th Saturday (monthly 4 th Saturdays, 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:00, Synergy Dance Zone , $7 ($5 students,
$4 members))
This is one of 2 monthly parties held by the San Diego chapter of “USA Dance”, an organization with close to 200 chapters across the country. The party attracts a large, mostly beginning to intermediate level, enthusiastic and friendly crowd of dancers that generally mixes well. The music mix consists of Ballroom, Latin and Night Club with emphasis on the faster tempo selections and club music (swing, hustle, NC2-step, salsa, merengue, Arg. Tango).
The party is prefaced with simultaneous beginning and intermediate 1-hour lessons and often includes a performance or mixer with the 3 hours of general dancing. Host/DJ: Art Lashbrook. Music mix: ~30% ballroom/~70% Latin-club. Average attendance = 7 0 -9 0 . Dancing level: ** *
“Synergy Dance Zone Friday Practice Party (weekly Fridays, 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:30, Synergy Dance Zone , $5
($3 students))
This party has firmly established itself as the Friday night happening place for high-energy studio dancing.
Attracting a large, young crowd and many regular students at the studio, the party also gets its share of the San
Diego ‘regulars’. The music includes ballroom, and a high concentration of the faster, hi-energy night club and
Latin selections including many hustle and swing/jitterbug/jive selections, faster tempo foxtrots (to which many prefer doing WCS), while quicksteps are rare. A complimentary lesson prior to the party features a new dance each month and is progressive through the month. Host/DJ: Peter & Amy Edwards and staff. Music mix: ~30% ballroom/~70% Latin-club. Average attendance = 80-1 1 0. Dancing level: **
Dance For 2 (biweekly, 1 st & 3rd Saturdays, 8:00-10:30PM, lesson at 8:15, Dance For 2 , $8 ($ 3 members))
Dance For 2 ’s ballroom mix parties on the 1 st and 3 rd Saturdays most months include plenty of club and Latin selections and faster-tempo ballroom. Party nights come with a nice party atmosphere and usually a good mix of dancers including many regulars as well as some new dancers, mostly students at the studio out to practice their latest lessons. However, the lesson is embedded in the party which tends to draw mostly beginners and temporarily interrupts the party momentum. Occasionally, Argentine tango and/or swing mix music is played simultaneously on the adjacent or upstairs ballroom. Host/DJ: Shawn Torgerson. Music mix: ~30% ballroom/~70% Latin-club. Average attendance = 5 0-70. Dancing level: **
It Takes 2 Dance Party, 2 nd Saturday (monthly 2 nd Saturdays, 8:00-11:00PM, lesson at 7:00, Champion Ballroom , $7)
This party which started up earlier this year is hosted by fellow dancer and singer Jonathon Lee, and attracts some loyal attendees, including some new faces on the dance scene wishing to take advantage of Champion ’s large floor. The music is a ballroom mix including many internationally-flavored songs, with a higher concentration of club music. A list of upcoming dance selections is projected onto a screen so dancers will know what’s coming.
The party kicks off with a complimentary 1 hour lesson followed by 3 hours of general dancing which usually includes a Waltz mixer and a performance. Host/DJ: Jonathon Lee. Music mix: ~30% ballroom/~70% Latin-club.
Average attendance = 30-60. Dancing level: **
Wednesday Night Parties (weekly Wednesdays, 8:00-10:30PM, lesson at 7:30, DanceFor2 , $8 ($7 members))
This is a consistent, long-running weeknight party which has shown its ability to attract dancers experienced in both the ballroom and the swing/club dances, and attendance includes many fine dancers within each genre. A recent change in DJ’s has brought some new music selections and some new dancers. The music includes a variety of familiar swing, hustle, NC-2step, Latin and ballroom tunes, and the occasional Argentine tango or
Country 2-step for variety. This popular dance has been consistent ly regarded as San Diego’s best weeknight dance party . Host/DJ: Mary Manzella. Music mix: ~30% ballroom/70% Latin-club. Average attendance = 50-70.
Dancing level: **
Champion ‘Friday Fun Dance’ (weekly Fridays, 8:00-10:00PM, Champion Ballroom , $5)

This Friday night party, the longest running weekly ballroom party in town, offers a large floor, more space to move with smaller crowds, and a loyal sprinkling of experienced dancers amongst the mostly beginning level crowd. Attendance has been down recently and can be erratic from week to week, and the gentleman/lady ratio also tends to vary considerably. The music includes ballroom, Latin and nightclub, and the mix is usually quite good, generally with a larger proportion of ballroom selections. This is a nice 2-hour party which can provide some valuable practice time, especially if you have a partner or come with some friends. The floor is considered by many as the best in town, and has the allure to attract San Diego’s best dancers. Host/DJ:
Vanessa/Tyler/Champion staff. Music mix: ~35-50% ballroom. Average attendance = 15-45. Dancing level: **
Balboa Park Ballroom Dancers’ monthly social ( monthly 2 nd Fridays, 7 : 0 0-9:50PM, embedded lesson,
Park Club Building /Balboa Park, $4 (members free))
The Club provides some excellent ballroom instruction twice a week and offers its “members’ party night” as an opportunity for students to practice all those new moves. Music is played by a DJ or occasionally, a live band, and is a great place for beginning level dancers to find their dancing comfort zone and for more advanced dancers to find plenty of room to move. The party format includes about 1½ to 2 hours of dancing (often including a waltz or foxtrot mixer), usually with an embedded lesson, and the music depends on the DJ of the evening. The main venue has a huge floor, but the Club is at the mercy of the City owned facility which will occasionally push the party to an alternate location, dictate limited hours and result in other glitches such as last minute party cancellations. DJ: Instructors, on a rotating schedule or guest DJs. Music mix: ~40% ballroom/~60% Latin-club.
Average attendance = 1 0 0-1 5 0. Dancing level: **
Dance Motion Studios Practice Party – monthly 1 st Fridays, 8:00-9:30PM, Dance Motion Studios , $ 7 , ballroom/Latin/swing, preparty lesson extra
Pattie Wells 1st Saturday Latin/Ballroom Party – monthly 1 st Saturdays, 8:30-10:30PM, lesson at 8:00,
Pattie Wells Dancetime Center , $7, ballroom/Latin/club mix
“USA Dance, 1 st Saturday Party - monthly 1 st Saturdays, 8-11PM, lesson at 7:00, Dance North County ,
$7, Latin/club/ballroom
Yulia’s Dance Passion Connection Weekly Practice Party weekly Tuesdays, 8:00-9:30PM, Dance
North County , $ 8 , requests/club/Latin/ballroom, preparty lesson extra
---------------------------------------------
Music mix breakdown by “ballroom” = standard & smooth (waltz, foxtrot, tango, V. waltz, quickstep), “Latin”=Latin & rhythm (chacha, rumba, samba, jive, swing, bolero) and “club” (salsa, WCswing/jitterbug, merengue, Argentine tango, hustle, NC2-step, Country 2-step).
Average attendance is based on ‘best guess’ estimates and random head counts at each party over the last 3 months. Dancing Level is based on lead-follow social ballroom (traveling) dance skills of majority of attendees: ***** = high intermediate to advanced, **** = mostly intermediate, *** = beginning to intermediate mix, ** = beginning to advanced beginning, * = novice, NR = not rated
Your evaluations and comments are always welcome. Please let us know what you think at:
SDDanceVibes@san.rr.com
- John Stokes publishes a web site with a comprehensive list of partner dancing in San Diego: www.dancinginsandiego.com
- Darrell Gaul sends out timely and comprehensive dance party schedules covering San Diego County, available for free by email subscription at DanceEmails@PartnerDancing.org
, or visit www.partnerdancing.org
for more information.
- Additional dance-related links can be found at: www.SDSDwebsite.com
.
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Information is taken from web sites, e-mail updates and club/studio flyers and is current as of publication on 31-December-2009. Due to the large number of parties in San Diego, last minute changes are inevitable, so please check with party hosts or websites for cancellations, changes and updates. Please contact us by e-mail to update or add party information; deadline is the 2 8 th of preceding month for the monthly newsletter and the 1 1 th of the month to make the midmonth update announcements. Your current ‘S.D.
DanceVibes’ Editor/Correspondent: Glenn Walker (
SDDanceVibes@san.rr.com
). All rights reserved

2009.
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