Dancers have choices
As the season starts to change, so do people’s schedules. For many people — even people without school-age children — September is a time to think about a new schedule and add a few fun activities — like dance.
There are four different types of dance going on at Riordan Hall and each group will welcome newcomers.
Bella Vista’s own Sophisticated Ladies are a group of tap and jazz dancers who perform at selected events. Teacher Carol Roller said the group is open to male tap dancers but, so far, no men have been interested.
Tap and Jazz lessons are available for all levels. Beginners will start on Sept. 9 at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. An intermediate class starts at 9 a.m.
For more information, contact Carol Roller at 876-1324.
Some members of the group perform at local venues, including the Fourth of July Parade, and on occasion do shows at Riordan Hall.
The Kingsdale Squares meets on Monday evenings for square dancing. The group has been meeting for over 40 years, although it’s unlikely any members have been dancing that long. Bill Allen, who is part of a committee that runs the club, said it has been trying to attract new members but, in recent years, it hasn’t had enough interest to offer lessons.
“It’s relatively complicated,” he said, “It’s not something you can just pick up.”
But people who dance or have danced with other clubs are welcome to one of the Monday night dances. If enough people show interest, lessons may be arranged, he said.
The next dance will start at 6:45 pm on Monday, Sept. 9, at Riordan Hall, with John Eubank calling.
According to Wikipedia, clogging is a folk dance in the U.S. in which dancers use special footwear to strike the heel, the toe or both in a special rhythm. In Bella Vista, the Hoot ‘n Holler Cloggers represent the style.
The group has about 15 members. There have been male cloggers in the past, but right now it’s an all-female group, organizer Kathy Fidler said. The dancers perform locally at nursing homes and assisted living centers. Recently they traveled to Neosho for a variety show called the Silver Follies.
Costumes are usually simple, Fidler said. They may all buy the same T-shirt or socks. They order their shoes with the special “jingle taps” online.
The fall session for the Hoot ‘n Holler Cloggers will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Riordan Hall. The start time for the beginning class is 3 p.m., with the regular class following at 4. The group dances twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For more information, call Kathy Fidler at 855-4728.
Line dancers meet three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Their group is called Walk the Line Dancers.
Teacher Kristine Schaap is planning a beginner’s class in January but said newcomers are welcome to come in and observe or give it a try.
“We wouldn’t turn anyone away. Other dancers will help,” she said.
The class begins Jan. 4 and meets at 12:45 on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Although women usually outnumber men, there are several men who attend. About 70 to 80 people participate, she said, but there are actually 93 members on her list.
Once a month, members of the group perform at Concordia or Brookfield Assisted Living.