Fun and fitness through dancing
Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new friends in the new year? Consider joining one of several dancing programs offered by cultural groups, businesses and dance clubs and groups. • Join the Leikarring Folk Dance Group of the Eidsvold Lodge (Victoria) of the Sons of Norway fraternal organization for Scandinavian Folk Dancing on Tuesday.
Learn how to dance or watch members perform the four classifications of Norwegian folkdance: Bygdedans (village dance), Gammeldans (old dance), Turdans (figure dance) and Sangdans (song dance).
Members of the group dance wearing the Norwegian bunad, the traditional folk dress.
Partners or experience not required.
The first visit is free, with subsequent visits $5. The group meets 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Norway House, 1110 Hillside Ave. Contact Mel Klassen at 250-595-7052 for more information or go to eidsvoldsofn.com/events.htm. • Join members of the B.C. Swing Dance Club Victoria at West Coast Swing, to learn how to partner dance to popular music, every Saturday.
No partner or experience needed.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students. Doors open at 7:45 p.m., with beginner lessons at 8 and a social dance 9 to 11 p.m. every Saturday at 847 Fisgard St. For more information, go to Facebook. • Salsa every Saturday night during Salsa Sábado Noche at Café Casablanca, Victoria’s only Latin dance restaurant.
Come and see what tango and salsa are all about, with salsa and argentine tango dancing and lessons seven days a week.
At the Salsa Sábado Noche you will be taught Salsa dancing by licensed salsa instructors.
The classes are $12. The lessons and dancing run from 8:30 p.m. to midnight every Saturday at Café Casablanca Dance Club, 2425 Bridge St. For more information, go to cafecasablance.ca. • Discover modern square dancing from members of the Mavericks Square Dance Club, Sunday nights at the Royal Oak Women’s Institute.
Modern square dancing is a rhythmic group dance done to all types of music and live singing — a combined mental and physical workout and a great way to meet new people.
The lessons teach all the moves needed to enjoy dancing with the club. People can join as couples or singles. New dancers may be paired up with experienced dancers.
It costs $75 for a session of seven lessons. The lessons run 7 to 9 p.m. Sundays at the Royal Oak Women’s Institute, 4516 West Saanich Rd. For more information, go to themavericks.org. • If you are looking to make new friends, like to dance and have fun, consider joining the People Meeting People Social Dance Club, which meets on Sunday in Oak Bay.
At this dance club, your dancing abilities are not considered, only your ability to have fun.
Singles and couples can dance and mingle in a ballroom social setting.
Admission is $10 for the public and $8 for members (refreshments included). The get-together runs 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday at 1442 Monterey Ave. For more information, go to victoriapmp.com.