|
On Tuesday, July 17 St. Michael’s attracted more than
85 dancers interested in learning the difficult Samba. The Culvers credit
the growth and success of the Gibbstown group to the assistance and
loyalty of several local residents.
One such member is Min Elders, a 26 year resident of
Logan Township, who Betty describes as a lovely loyal member of the
Peppermint Club.
Min began dancing 10 years ago, said it was like
falling in love all over again. Before learning to dance, Min had tried
fitness clubs and hated them, but once she found the Peppermint Club she
knew she was hooked on a great new way to stay fit and have fun. Now her
favorite dances are the Viennese Waltz and the Tango. She also enjoys the
Cha Cha and is continuing to learn the Samba.
Min, who credits the Culvers for being excellent
instructors, was stunned when in 2001 she competed as a Newcomer in an
Arthur Murray Dance competition and waltzed away with a first place
trophy. “I just couldn’t believe I won first place,” she remembers.
Rose Luscan of Swedesboro is another local dancer who
started dancing with the Peppermint Club after her husband passed away.
Rose remembers being reluctant to try the Peppermint Club, but her close
friends Sarah and Rose Musumuci of Woodbury talked her into it.
Now, Luscan loves the social atmosphere. “It’s a
relaxed way to meet people and we all have a great time.” When she first
began learning new steps she recalled that it could be nerve wracking, but
now she looks forward to going. “I am lucky,” she admits, “I have rhythm.”
But she reminds newcomers not to be discouraged. Rose
admits, “I have seen even people with two left feet become wonderful
dancers under the tutelage of the Culvers.”
As we spoke she mentioned that she was planning to go
that very evening to the Summer Friday Ballroom Dance being held at St.
Michael’s.
Her friends, the twins, have been dancing since they
were young. “I don’t remember not dancing.” Rose Musumeci and her sister
Sarah volunteer to help out the Culvers by collecting the $10 entry fee at
the door.
The twins know from experience that dancing makes
people happy. “It is not only fun, but it keeps people active and gives
them something to look forward to.” The Musumecis have always enjoyed the
Friday night ballroom dancing, a long held tradition of the original
Stardust Ballroom in Pennsauken. The old ballroom, now demolished ,is
being relocated to Bellmawr.
The Musumecis and Luscan and many other members were
overjoyed when the Culvers, in addition to teaching the Tuesday lessons at
St. Michael’s, were able to secure the same location to keep the ballroom
dancing going during the summer and early fall of this year.
So until the time the Stardust reopens, ballroom
dancing is a regular Friday night affair from 8 p.m. until midnight,
complete with a lovely array of light refreshments, all for $10 dollars
(no lesson) in the heart of Gibbstown.
But if you want a lesson continue to check out St.
Michael’s on the first and third Tuesdays where the schedule offers
lessons on the Quickstep, the Bolero, the Swing, the Tango, the Rumba, the
Foxtrot and the Samba.
The Culvers also teach interested dancers Salsa, the
Cha Cha, and of course the Hustle! Lessons begin at 7 p.m. and run until
8:30 p.m., followed by a dance party from 8:30-10:30 p.m. so you can try
out you moves. The nightly cost is again just $10 per person including
light refreshments.
The Social Hall is a fantastic location for all types
of dancing, Mrs. Luscan remarked. “The dance floor is great, and so is the
food.”
The Peppermint Club lessons and dances also provide
guests with a vast array of healthy snacks including fresh fruit,
vegetable trays, cheese and crackers, and desserts.
“Some people prefer to come dancing without eating a
big meal first,” Betty explained. “We want to provide them with something
light, healthy and nutritious that will keep them going.”
So if you’re ready for some real fun of your own and
you would like to dance like the stars, get off the couch and hustle down
to St. Michael’s.
“The Culvers are excellent teachers. They really
break it down for you,” Luscan assured. “Dancing is great way to get your
mind off your troubles to let go and have some healthy fun.”
Betty Culver’s advice is to start with the basics and
not to try to compare yourself to others. “Just come have a bite to eat,
get out on the floor and relax,” she suggested. “Leave the teaching up to
us.”
St. Michael’s Social Hall is located at 406 Memorial
Avenue in Gibbstown. For more information on the lesson schedule,
directions and dates check out their website at
www.peppermintdanceclub.com or call (610) 558-4556.
And in the sultry tones set forth by Roxy Music,
“Dance away the heartache, dance away the tears.”
LEARN THE SALSA & WEST COAST SWING
The Jersey Peppermint Dance Club will be holding
dance lessons on Aug. 21 for the Salsa and Sept. 4 for The West Coast
Swing!
|
