Benedicts to celebrate 75 years on Saturday
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Back in 1943, over 140 couples gathered at the Hotel Van Curler, now Schenectady County Community College, for the first ever Benedicts dance to a four-piece band.
This Saturday, at the Canfield Casino with the Georgie Wonder orchestra, the group celebrates 75 years of socialization, elegance and dancing.
The club derives its name from the Shakespeare character Benedick of “Much Ado About Nothing,” according the now copresident Michael Vallance.
Vallance, and his wife Andrea, from Albany, first joined in April 2010 as guests of their friends.
“I thought it would be fun to get dressed up. We knew a few dances but in the eight years we have definitely caught the dance bug,” said Andrea. “We take lessons and strive to be better dancers.”
GE engineer James Foley established the group. Members consisted mostly of GE employees.
As this season comes to close, after six dances, four GE engineers are currently on the club’s managing board.
Similar to Andrea and Michael, Todd and Bonnie Dragland were first exposed to the Benedicts thanks to friends. That was in 2009.
“We started taking ballroom dance lessons in 2008. It’s difficult to find places to go ballroom dancing and have an elegant night out for dinner,” said Todd. “…and after attending [in 2009] we joined and have been going ever since. We served on the board as presidents as well as other positions and enjoy these elegant dinner and dance events.”
Todd and Bonnie, Saratoga Springs residents, are hosting the 75th anniversary event.
“We appreciate the history of Saratoga Springs,” said Todd. “The Canfield Casino is a real gem of the Saratoga heritage, along with the setting in Congress Park.”
Andrea has put together a history table for the event with brochures from various anniversary dances such as the 25th, 40th and 60th. Each of them contains the same “B” logo that’s been around since the club’s inception.
“A lot of our traditions have been around for a very long time,” said Andrea.
Men wear tuxedos, while women typically dress in longgowns.
Although the number of couples involved in the club has diminished over time, Michael said he feels like the club has hardly changed the last 75 years.
“We try to have our brand be associated with elegance,” said Michael.
Currently there are 71-member couples. On Saturday night, there are 23 guest couples expected.
“The Canfield Casino is a big draw,” said Andrea. “It’s eloquent décor fits in with our elegant theme. It is one of our favorite venues.”
A special dance from Natalia O’Connor and Florin Vlad, owners of Dance Fire Studio,
will also happen Saturday.
Additionally, two couples, who have been members for over 30 years, will be recognized as well as a handful of couples who have belonged for over 20 years. Andrea said Saturday night, “salutes our history and members.”
Todd and Bonnie said the Waltz is their favorite dance.
“We have made many new friends through the Benedicts,” said Todd.
Michael said everybody always has such a great time.
“We get so much encouragement from the older members, and even some of the newer members,” said Michael. “It’s just one of my favorite things that Andrea and I do.”
For more information about the history of the Benedicts, visit http:// www.thebenedicts.info/home.