Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band perform for the SBR Social Dance Club western dance on Friday, Dec. 3.
Janelle Authur
Patrick Rayl and the .357 Band, a popular Southern Arizona Country band, filled the Sol Ballroom with western music at the SaddleBrooke Ranch Social Dance Club’s monthly country-western dance on Friday, Dec. 3. Seventy Ranchers welcomed the holidays with an evening of western dancing and holiday cheer.
As the number of western dancers at the Ranch continues to grow, the club has responded, sponsoring country-western monthly dances. December’s dance was the club’s second foray into a dance with live music. Based on the success of the first two, the club is already planning for monthly dances with live bands into 2022, with the Wild Ride Band scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19.
All the western dances feature a wide variety of country songs, including the two-step, swing, cha cha, waltz, western partner pattern, and a few of the most popular, familiar line dances. And, there’s always a new dance or two to try. In December, dancers filled the floor dancing the “Wobble” and the “Macarena.”
The dances continue to feature a raffle with a prize for the winner. Entry requirements are different month to month—a cowboy hat, boots, or jeans, and, for the December dance, a touch of red. The December winner, Diane Applegate, won a lovely holiday floral arrangement created and donated by club member Teresa Tarleton. Teresa and her husband, Bob, are new members of the club and wanted to contribute to the group. Thanks, Teresa, for sharing your talents!
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. Note that, given the popularity of the dances, registration for the Jan. 19 country-western dance will be limited to 70 dancers.
If you are still hesitant, the club offers a variety of western (and ballroom) 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 sbrsbdc.club.
The club also offers monthly ballroom dances hosted by a DJ and, in January 2022, is introducing rock ‘n’ roll dances. With more dancing opportunities, Ranchers are discovering that their dance skills can easily be adapted to ballroom, rock ‘n’ roll, and western music.
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 or lessons’ start date. Details are also included in the weekly Ranch Reminder. Registration opens four weeks before the event.
Come on down and join other western dancers for a Wild Ride evening on Jan. 19!