Country Western dancers wearing cowboy hats and eligible for the June raffle prize pose with Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band at the monthly Western dance on June 10. Winner of the June raffle drawing, Ranch resident Fred Weber (far left on stage), joined the band on stage for the picture. (Photo by Bob Authur)
Janelle Authur
Ranch residents donned their jeans, boots, and cowboy hats on June 10 for a sizzling summer evening dancing to the live music of Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band. The Sol Ballroom reverberated with boot scootin’ as 60-plus dancers filled the dance floor. Dancers wearing cowboy hats were eligible for the evening’s raffle, so many dancers sported Western headwear.
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Social Dance Club (SBRSDC) started the monthly Country Western dances in September 2021 with two boombox dances. Based on the popularity of the dances, the club has sponsored monthly Country Western dances with live bands since November 2021, making the June 10 dance the 10th at the Ranch. After a July break, Country Western dancing with live bands will resume on Friday, Aug. 12, with music by Whiskey Riverdogs, a Southern Arizona band playing at the Ranch for the first time.
All the bands play a wide variety of country songs that appeal to both new and seasoned Country Western dancers. And, in addition to the two-step, swing, cha cha, waltz, Western partner pattern, and a few of the most familiar Western line dances, there is usually a new dance or two to try. At the June dance, dancers practiced the partner pattern dance, “I Love You Arizona.” As a tribute to Ranchers’ new homes in Arizona, this waltz is danced at the end of each Country Western dance to the Rex Allen Jr. song by the same name.
All the dances also feature a raffle, with entry requirements that change each month—such as cowboy boots, jeans, wearing a specific color, or, for the June dance, a cowboy hat. The June winner, Fred Weber, won a flight of Ranch beer.
All levels of dancers are welcome at the monthly dances, and newer dancers are encouraged to “come on down” and practice their newly acquired skills. Given the popularity of the dances and size of the dance floor, registration is currently limited to 70 dancers.
The club sponsors monthly social and Rock ‘n Roll dances, hosted by a DJ. With more dancing opportunities, Ranchers are discovering that their dance skills can easily be adapted to ballroom, Rock ‘n Roll, and/or Western music.
The club also offers a variety of dance lessons in the Fitness Center at the La Hacienda Club. Lessons rotate monthly, with new and/or repeat offerings each month. For details and to register for the dances and lessons, go to the club’s website at www.sbrsbdc.club.
Information on the dances and lessons is emailed directly to club members and those on the club’s mailing list approximately four weeks before the dance and/or lessons start date. Details are also included in the weekly Ranch Reminder. Registration opens four weeks before the event.
Come on down and have a boot scootin’ good time dancing to the live music of Whiskey Riverdogs on Friday, Aug. 12.