It's Salem....And We Dance

The event begins with Zydeco dance lessons Photo courtesy: louisianacattlefestival.org

(SALEM) - The "It's Salem...And We Dance," dance event series kicks off Tuesday night at the Reed Opera House Trinity Ballroom in downtown Salem. The July 11th event will begin with a one hour beginner Zydeco dance lesson by Debra Seeck, aka Mz Jitterbug, followed by two hours of open dancing and socializing. No-host drinks and appetizers will be available by Alessandro's and Trinity Vineyards will be offering wine tasting during the night. Dance demonstrations by other local instructors in Lindy Hop, Balboa, Country Two-Step, West Coast Swing and Night Club Two-Step will complement the night. The renewed public interest in dancing sparked by television shows, "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Say You Can Dance," prompted Ms Seeck’s vision of starting a regular dance event in Salem. Attendees need no experience in dancing nor is it limited to couples. “Dancing is a great way for single people to meet others and create new friendships. It is also a great form of exercise,” Ms Seeck said. This World Beat sanctioned event begins with a lesson in Zydeco dancing. Zydeco is a popular music of southern Louisiana that combines French dance melodies, elements of Caribbean music and the blues played by small groups featuring the accordion, washboard and guitar. The Zydeco Two-step is partner dance and is easy to learn, according to Seeck. She had over 20 people dancing in no time on June 24 at the World Beat Festival. "These were people who had never danced it before," she said. Following the lesson, LeRoy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners played, giving the new dance students an opportunity to practice what they had learned. One student complimented Ms Seeck saying he did not realize how much fun it could be and how easy it was to learn. Though the initial event is held in the Trinity Ballroom, subsequent events will be held at Alessandro's. Local dance instructors will be invited to teach a beginner lesson in their dance specialty, as demonstrated on July 11. Attendees may sign up for scheduled dance lessons from these instructors to advance their dance skills. The "It's Salem...And We Dance" events will be DJ'd with tunes to complement the dance lesson. A Saturday live music dance night is projected to happen once a month.