Ranch Western dancer Diane Murphy won the November door prize, a flight of Ranch House beer and trail mix.
Janelle Authur
Between dances, lessons, and coached practices, Ranch Western dancers wore another layer of leather off the soles of their cowboy boots in October and November.
More than 70 dancers and guests turned and kicked to the music of Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band on Nov. 4 in the Sol Ballroom. The evening started with the introduction of the Barn Dance, a partner pattern dance new to club members. The dance was well-received by dancers, with almost all joining the circle on the dance floor.
Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band played a mix of favorite Country songs, a solo by the band’s drummer, and original songs co-written by Patrick. Dancers stepped out to the two-step, the barn dance, swing, cha cha, waltz, Western partner pattern, and few of the most familiar Western line dances. The night ended with the Western dances’ tradition, a waltz partner pattern dance to Rex Allen, Jr.’s song, “I Love You Arizona.” Rancher Diane Murphy won the monthly door prize, a flight of Ranch House beer plus trail mix.
In addition to the monthly SaddleBrooke Ranch Social Dance Club Western dances, 12 couples learned new dance steps in the four-week October/November sessions of Western dance lessons, including intermediate Arizona two-step and beginning Western waltz. Jane Gromelski, president of the SaddleBrooke Partners Western Dance Club, was the instructor. The club also offered weekly coached practices so dancers could polish their newly learned skills.
On Halloween, Ranch dancers dressed in their finest costumes and attended SaddleBrooke’s Halloween dance featuring Wild Ride. No prizes were awarded for best costume, but Kathy and Jerry Meyer would certainly have been in the running with their prisoner escapee and policewoman outfits!
The club has sponsored monthly Western dances since September 2021. Popular Tucson-area band Wild Ride will close out 2022 on Wednesday, Dec. 7. As a thank you to our Western dancers, the December dance will be free to both members and nonmembers, with a limit of 80 dancers.
Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band will return on Friday, Jan. 13. On Friday, Feb. 3, Whiskey Riverdogs will be back on the stage, with Wild Ride scheduled again on Friday, March 10. Country-Western lessons will again be offered starting in mid-January, so watch for details.
The club also sponsors monthly rock and roll and social dances, featuring a DJ, as well as a variety of dance lessons. In December, these dances will also be free.
For details on upcoming lessons in 2023 and/or to register for the dances and lessons, go to the club’s website at www.sbrsbdc.club.