Dance can be as simple as moving your body to a rhythm. The beats can come from external sources or internal musings. The dance can be aerobic, therapeutic, sensual. It can be anything you want it to be. Dance is a form of self-expression, whether you follow prescribed steps with a partner on a ballroom floor or twirl with an air guitar in your living room.

Dancing improves strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, stamina, and posture. Vigorous dance provides excellent cardio and fat burning benefits. Don’t slump, pull in that tummy, and dancing will work your core nicely, too!

I’ve recently found my inner dancer, and have been taking her for as many spins as possible. I dance alone to liven up my housekeeping, I dance with my dog just to keep her on her toes, and I even take lessons and dance with other people at a couple of local ballroom dance clubs. I may be addicted, but I don’t think I’ll be seeking any treatment beyond dance therapy any time soon.

I’d love to hear from other dancers around Huntsville and Madison. How, where, and what kind of dancing do you do? Feel free to link dance halls, clubs, schools or events, or any dance pictures that you’ve taken around town.

Dance stuff:

Quote: “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching!”

Come on out! Those of us in the Huntsville area are pretty lucky to have lots of options to dance socially. Here’s a list of mixed type dance clubs and a list of ballroom and Latin style dance clubs and organizations to get you started.

I dance mostly at Rocket City Dance Club on Artie Street and Madison Ballroom Dance Studio on Madison Boulevard. They both have superb leadership, friendly regulars, great websites with calendars that stay updated, and wonderful opportunities for learning dancing in different venues (private instruction, group lessons, and dance parties).

For dance shoes, the ladies at Bloom over on Regal Drive rule. They have a nice selection and the customer service is excellent. Or, if you’d like to just convert a pair of street shoes, J.T.’s Shoe Care over on Bob Wallace was recommended to me by my RCDC instructor. They replaced a buckle on mine for me and I bought some nice pads there, too.

I promised to visit Angela True’s new studio in downtown Madison awhile ago, and a combination of freedom from work and this morning’s beautiful weather gave me the chance. I enjoyed the walk from my neighborhood in warm sun and gentle breeze, relaxing enough to appreciate the commune vibe of 16 Main Gallery by the time I arrived.

The last time I interviewed Angela, she worked mostly in solitary glory from her home studio. Not here. I was greeted by every artist and artist grandchild in attendance this morning.

Lisa Riccardi, Martha Marks, Ned Carron, and Angela’s two little painters in training all took the time to make me feel welcome, making sure I knew the story of the 250 year old house and all those who create, teach, and display their art within:

• Bedrooms, back porch, and utility rooms contain small studios where the resident artists work and display their individual pieces
• The main living area serves as a combined gallery/sales floor



• A bright and cozy back parlor is let out for small events and get togethers. Consignment artists’ work is also displayed here.
• And a classroom takes up the dining room. Intimate groups of five to 10 students learn to create their own art here. See the schedule

The nine artists of 16 Main Gallery offer great diversity in style and medium, even while inspiring and influencing each other, like when Ned provided bags of clay to his painter friends and “assigned” them the task of sculpting to enhance their perspective. And some, like Martha attend all of the art classes held in the gallery’s class room. She proudly displays her work as student along with her professionally finished pottery.

I would recommend anyone to stop by and visit 16 Main Street, Madison, if for no other reason than to soak up the artists’ generosity of spirit and hear their stories. Check the schedule to see if you can play with their clays and paints while you are there. Or, take a piece of handcrafted jewelry, mixed media photography, or pottery; maybe a painting in acrylic, oil or watercolor; or even a sculpture or mosaic to add some of their creative soul to your life at home.

From the VBAS website:

Any one with an interest in astronomy is invited to join us for one of our society meetings that are held on the third Friday of each month, except for December.
If the weather permits, we always use our telescopes after the programs to enjoy the night sky and we hope that you will join us!