We are pleased to welcome Lana Mendonca as a new instructor at Top Hat. Born and raised in Brazil, Lana has been dancing for over twenty years and has been teaching for ten. Lana started to dance at the age of five and her strong and powerful style reflects the influence of her background training in Ballet (RAD), Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary and Latin Dance. In addition to her professional work as a performer, choreographer and dance teacher, her versatility gave her opportunities to perform in TV commercials, promotions, music videos, concerts and a short film. In Australia, Lana performed in a professional Samba group and has toured internationally, throughout China, performing at the International Tourism and Culture Festival. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and is a charismatic and skilled teacher of Samba, Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary dance. Her classes and workshops will have you bringing personality into every move, with routines maintaining variety and contrast, ranging from high energy to smooth and fluid.

AFRO-SAMBA CLASS - Thursdays at 6:30 - No partner required - $7.50 per person

This class will bring together the sensual typical Brazilian Samba from Rio mixed with the Axe Bahia Samba style! You will learn basic samba technique, shakes, hips movement and Afro dance steps. Invite your friends to come together and get a great workout where you will move your body in amazing sensual, energetic and fun way you never imagined!

You are invited to join us for an evening of dancing on Saturday, October 3. The music makes the dance and Top Hat offers some of the best music selections around. Our large, cushioned dance floor makes it more comfortable to dance the night away.  You will find the nicest people who love to dance at Top Hat. We welcome you to join us no matter what level dancer you are.

Some snacks and soft drinks will be provided. You may bring snacks to share and alcoholic beverages if you wish. Dressy casual. $10 per person.

You are invited to join us for an evening of dancing to great music on Saturday, September 12th. Our large, cushioned dance floor makes it more comfortable to dance the night away. You will find the nicest people who love to dance at Top Hat. We welcome you to join us no matter what level dancer you are.

Some snacks and soft drinks will be provided. You may bring snacks to share and alcoholic beverages if you wish. Dressy casual. $10 per person.

Ballroom dance is great for people who are looking for an activity they can do as a couple. It’s a very special way to spend quality time with a partner. There is nothing quite like the feeling of moving together to the rhythm of beautiful music! Social dance is easy to learn and will provide a lifetime of enjoyment for those who master the basic skills.

This class will teach the essentials for dancing with a partner including: proper posture and dance hold, lead and follow techniques, rhythm and how to recognize musical styles for dancing. All shapes, sizes and fitness levels are welcome! Dancing is a safe low impact activity that benefits everyone. I also improves bone and joint health. Paul and Gail wish to share the joy of dancing by providing a friendly, positive and knowledgeable atmosphere that allows couples to meet new people and learn a life long skill.

The six week class will teach beginning Waltz and Salsa. Classes begin Monday September 21 and will meet from 7:00 – 8:30pm in Studio B of the Marshall Recreation Center. Call (304) 696-4732 to register. $120 per couple.

Here is a recap of the steps we learned last month in Night Club Two Step:

Basic

Follower’s Underarm Turn

Alternating Underarm Turns

Patty Cake Turns (both turn at once - Paul calls this the bananna peel turn)

Shoulder Check

Arm to Arm

Left Turn to Side Cross Basic - leader turns follower 1/2 turn - end with side cross basic

Right Spot Turn - (same as Lindy Whip in Jitterbug)

Open Break to Inside Underarm Turn (also called Right Side Pass) to side cross basic

Pin Wheel Step - this is the one where both turn and go to a pinwheel step. The follower spins out at the end.

These steps should make it possible for you to enjoy dancing to a Night Club Two Step at a dance. Please let us know if you would like to review any of the steps. The way to remember steps is to do them!

Arts Resources of The Tri-State and Top Hat Ballroom will offer beginner classes in Waltz, Merengue and Bachata at the Renaissance Center Ballroom in Huntington beginning July 27^th. The classes will meet from 7:00 – 8:30PM on Monday evenings and run for six-weeks through August 31^st. Paul and Gail will teach the classes.

The cost for the six-week course is $60 for singles or $120 for couples. Major credit cards are accepted. To register for the classes or for more information call Gail at (304) 412-3171 or send an e-mail to: gpatton@tophatballroom.com.

You are invited to join us for an evening of dancing to great music on Saturday, August 1st. Our large, cushioned dance floor makes it more comfortable to dance the night away. You will find the nicest people who love to dance at Top Hat. We welcome you to join us no matter what level dancer you are.

Some snacks and soft drinks will be provided. You may bring snacks to share and alcoholic beverages if you wish. Dressy casual. $10 per person.

The routine is made up of combination steps in order to make it easier to remember and execute. The main one is the Lindy Combo. A Lindy Combo is a Basic Step, Two Lindy Whips and another Basic. Here is the way the routine goes:

Lindy Combo

Four Turn Combo - Follower’s Underarm (UA); Follower’s Reverse UA; Belly Slide; Follower’s Reverse UA

Lindy Combo

Shoulder Check Combo - 3 Shoulder Checks; Leader’s UA; Follower’s Reverse UA

Lindy Combo

A Tisket  - A Tasket - 5 times with spin at the end

Lindy Combo

Kick Combo - Follower’s 1/2 UA Turn to shadow; 8 count kicks to front; Follower’s 1/2 turn to face partner; 8 count kicks to side; heel pop

Lindy Combo

We will be adding a beginning and an ending.  Please send me an email if you have questions (or ask in class). gpatton@tophatballroom.com

You are invited to join us for an evening of dancing to great music on July 11th. Our large, cushioned dance floor makes it more comfortable to dance the night away. You will find the nicest people who love to dance at Top Hat. We welcome you to join us no matter what level dancer you are.

Some snacks and soft drinks will be provided. You may bring snacks to share and alcoholic beverages if you wish. Dressy casual. $10 per person.

You are invited to join us for an evening of dancing to great music on June 20th. Our large, cushioned dance floor makes it more comfortable to dance the night away. You will find the nicest people who love to dance at Top Hat. We welcome you to join us no matter what level dancer you are.

Some snacks and soft drinks will be provided. You may bring snacks to share and alcoholic beverages if you wish. Dressy casual. $10 per person.