Jerry Meyer, with his hat, won the raffle drawing at the Western No-Frills Boom Box dance on Sept. 3.
Ranchers take to the floor to dance to the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” during the SBRSDC’s No-Frills Boom Box dance at the Sol Ballroom on Sept. 3.
Janelle Authur
Forty-seven Ranchers and guests dusted off their cowboy hats, boots, and jeans for the Ranch’s first No-Frills Boom Box Western Dance on Friday, Sept. 3, in the Sol Ballroom.
Sponsored by the SaddleBrooke Ranch Social Dance Club (SBRSDC), the western dance featured a wide variety of more than 30 country songs played on a boom box. Dancers needed no encouragement to kick up their heels from the first song, “I’m From the Country,” to the last, “I Love You Arizona,” one of the state songs of Arizona.
All levels of dancers were welcome. Newer dancers, fresh from their club-sponsored country dance lessons, practiced two-step and swing skills. Cowboy cha chas, waltzes, and western partner pattern dances were popular, but the dance floor filled for line dancing to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Copperhead Road,” and “Elvira.”
Those dancers sporting a cowboy hat were entered in a raffle. Jerry Meyer and his hat won the prize—free admission for two to the Oct. 1 Boom Box Dance #2. Congratulations, Jerry!
Socially-distanced tables were decorated in a no-frills style, with red and white checked cloths, baskets, and individual bags of snacks.
Club member Bob Authur served as D.J., spinning songs, and managing the dance floor. John Hess, co-president of the SBRSDC, welcomed dancers and encouraged them to save the dates for upcoming western dances and lessons. John also discussed several club volunteer opportunities for members and asked interested dancers to contact him.
With the first western dance declared a success, plans are already underway for more. In addition to the next Boom Box Dance #2, on Friday, Oct. 1, the Wednesday, Nov. 3, dance will feature a local live band, Wild Ride! On Friday, Dec. 3, dancers will do their boot scootin’ to another local live band, Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band.
Beginning country 2-step and beginning swing lessons start Oct. 5 and 7, respectively. The club will also be offering a four-week series of country line dancing, both beginning and intermediate, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 6. All lessons are in the Fitness Center at the La Hacienda Club.
For further details and to register for the dances and lessons, go to the club’s website at www.sbrsdc.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 lesson start date. Details are also included in the weekly Ranch Reminder. Registration opens four weeks before the event.