Western Dancers Sparkle for the Holidays

Western dancers dressed in “something sparkly or red” boogied to the Classic Country music of Anthony Taylor Jr. at the SBR Social Dance Club’s monthly Western dance on Dec. 6 in the Sol Ballroom.

Ranch resident and club member John Cates, pictured with spouse Debbie Cates, won the December door prize, a holiday floral arrangement. Club member Teresa Tarleton designed and donated the arrangement.

Janelle Authur

Decked out in “something sparkly or red,” Western dancers kicked off the holiday season stepping out to Anthony Taylor Jr. and his band on Dec. 6, 2024, in the Sol Ballroom. The up-and-coming singer/songwriter entertained the sold out crowd with his boot scootin’ Classic Country music and his just-released first single, “Not Over You.”

Dancers from the Ranch and SaddleBrooke crowded the dance floor, bringing all styles of Western dancing, from two-step to cha cha, waltz, swing, three-step, partner pattern, the Barn Dance, and a few Western line dances. The evening wound down with a tribute to our adopted state of Arizona, with dancers partnering up for “I Love You Arizona,” a tradition at the Ranch Western dances.

All the monthly Western dances include a door prize, with entry requirements that change each month—such as cowboy boots, hats, or jeans, or something in a specific color or pattern. For December, dancers wearing “something red or sparkly” were eligible for the drawing. SaddleBrooke Ranch resident John Cates was the winner of the December door prize—a holiday floral arrangement designed and donated by club member Teresa Tarleton.

Western dances at the Ranch started in September 2021 when the SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) Social Dance Club recognized the popularity of Western dancing in Tucson. Since then, the club has brought some of the best-known and respected Tucson-area Country Western bands to the Sol Ballroom monthly.

Bands are booked for the first quarter of 2025. Clear Country Band returned on Jan. 10. Wild Ride returns on Friday, Feb. 7, and Highway Outlaws will be here on Friday, April 4. Bands for the remainder of 2025, including March, will be announced at a later date.

All levels of dancers are welcome at the dances and newer dancers are encouraged to “come on down” and practice their newly acquired skills in a friendly environment. Given the size of the dance floor, registration is limited to 90 dancers.

Don’t know how to Western dance? Come on down and listen to great music, or, better yet, take a few lessons and show off your dance skills at the next dance! The club offers Western dance lessons throughout the year, including the two-step, Western waltz, swing, and partner pattern. Lessons will start in mid-January 2025. For details on dances and lessons in 2025 and/or to register, go to the club’s website at sbrsbdc.club. Come on down!