Cape Ballroom dance group offers something for everyone

From waltzes to the cha-cha, sneakers to cowboy boots, the dancers in the Cape Ballroom dance club say there's something for everybody.

The group meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday to study a different style of dance before holding a social dance afterward until 11:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Cape Girardeau.

Participants partner up to hone their cha-cha skills during a Cape Ballroom dance class June 10 at the American Legion in Cape Girardeau.Glenn Landberg

Classes cost only $5, and the instruction part is separated into two groups, one for experienced dancers and one for newbies.

Dan Beeson, club president, leads the experienced group most nights. "Everyone is welcome, whether you already know how to dance or not," he said. "The instructors will really work with you, and we're always looking for new people."

He said the act of dancing typically gets people more comfortable around one another, not the other way around.

Dancer Lynn McNally said the dancing is secondary to the social opportunity of the club.

"You can see the age range. It's multigenerational," she said. "For me, it's a great way to do something with my teenage daughter, and it allows us to make friends outside our usual age range."

Her daughter, Maria, agreed.

"I brought my friend Sandy here," she said. "She came a few weeks ago, and now she's hooked. Plus, I enjoy learning new things that I otherwise wouldn't."

For most, dancing is just fun, but for local couple Allen and Diann Hinds, dancing changed their lives.

Demarcus Patterson works on his cha-cha with Xiao Shu Dirnberger during a Cape Ballroom dance class June 10 at the American Legion in Cape Girardeau.Glenn Landberg

"We saw each other at dances before," Diann said, but both were married at the time.

Years later, last fall, they reconnected at a dance and finally were able to kindle a romantic relationship.

The pair married in April of this year, and at their wedding reception, they said, they were able to bring out the big moves.

"We wiped the floor clean that night," Diann said. "That's why there's no rug. We cut the rug."

"And you don't have to have a partner," Allen explained. "It's a great date night for married couples, but you don't have to come with anyone."

Allen and Diann Hinds dance the cha-cha during a Cape Ballroom dance class June 10 at the American Legion in Cape Girardeau.Glenn Landberg

And dancing isn't just a young person's game, as the pair attest.

"Life after 60, it doesn't end," Diann said.

"It gets better," Allen agreed. "This, you can do until you're 90. How many of us are rock climbing? None. But we love to dance."

Their favorite dance is the East Coast Swing, although they tend to punctuate their moves with kisses.

And dancing is a versatile skill, they said.

Allen and Diann Hinds share a hug after practicing some moves during a Cape Ballroom dance class June 10 at the American Legion in Cape Girardeau.Glenn Landberg

"When we were on our honeymoon in Branson, we got called up on stage to dance for people," Diann said.

The only thing a person needs to have to be good at dancing, they said, is persistence.

"Keep showing up," Allen said.

"Practice, practice, practice," Diann said. "And practice."

In that way, dancing is like relationships or life in general, she said.

Tim Bleichroth practices his cha-cha with Lynn McNally during a Cape Ballroom dance class June 10 at the American Legion in Cape Girardeau.Glenn Landberg

"Understand you will make mistakes," she explained. "Laugh at them and keep going, even if you don't have rhythm. ... It's an opportunity for lifetime learning. It's worth it."

The American Legion is at 2731 Thomas Drive in Cape Girardeau. For more information about Cape Ballroom, visit www.capeballroom.com or contact Dan Beeson at dan@capeballroom.com.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627

Pertinent address:

2731 Thomas Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.