Ballroom Dance Club

     Leif and Darlene Andreasen were enthusiastic dancers who started the Ballroom Dance Club in January of 2001.  At first, things were very informal. It was a small group of people who got together every week and danced.  Those who knew some steps (especially Leif) would help other members with new steps.  Before long Leif was giving a lesson every week for the common ballroom dances like fox trot, waltz, swing, etc.  The lessons were a combination of instruction and watching videos.  As time went on, the format for the afternoon became more structured with a lesson, followed by an hour of dancing and then another lesson.

    Leif and Darlene spent every summer at their cabin in the mountains.  Rather than have the Club shut down for the summer, Gary and Sheila Pitt volunteered to keep the weekly sessions going.  Gary and Sheila learned how to teach as they progressed.

     The Tea Dances began in the winter of 2002-2003 on Sunday afternoons.  Leif got the idea from other Tea Dances being given in the area.  At first, these were very simple affairs.  People brought CDs and everyone danced.  In September of 2003, they started charging admission and hiring a band each month.  This continued for several years until 2010 when the Club decided to have parties monthly and have members act as DJs due to the increasing costs of hiring bands.

     In 2003, Leif decided that it was time to give up running the Club and doing the instruction.  Graciously, Gary Pitt decided to take on these responsibilities to keep the Club going.  Later in 2005, Sal and Ruth Algeri became Sun City Lincoln Hills residents and they together with Clyde and Kay McMasters began to assist Gary and Sheila Pitt with the weekly dance instruction.  This major transition led the Ballroom Dance Club to formalize its dance instruction and Club organization to what we have today.

     The Club boasts over 160 members and teaches all the ballroom dances on a rotating basis.  There is no charge for the lessons since they are taught by volunteers.  The beginning lessons are designed for non-dancers to learn quickly while having fun.  The intermediate lessons are offered for those who want to advance their skills.  The Club also sponsors five to six dance parties a year.

     Leif and Darleen Andreasen began the Club with the concept of students teaching students.  We have been able to carry on this kind act of volunteerism since 2001.