Ballroom Dancing Opportunities

Article submitted by Jackie Tally, Birmingham Ballroom Dance Association (BBDA) and Murray Echols, JBY Ballroom Dance Club.

Ballroom dancing is very popular with all ages, but especially with seniors. Ballroom dancing is a great activity for physical exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and provides a time for escape from daily stressors. Ballroom dances and lessons are available in senior centers, recreation centers, and churches in the Birmingham area. The following is a list of some of the opportunities available.

Dance Lesson Possibilities

Independent Instructors:

• Liz Fowler and Niki Sepsas, Ballroom lessons, Tuesday nights at Riverchase United Methodist Church, 7:00-8:30 PM, $1. Partner not required. 1953 Old Highway 31. 205-877-3077 or nsepsas@bellsouth.net
   
• Curt and Wendy Johnson, Ballroom lessons, Thursday evenings at Vestavia Hills Civic Center, Dogwood Room, Hwy 31 South and Merryvale Road. Beginners 6:30, Intermediates 7:30. September through June. One dance taught each month. $5 per person. 205-621-0198 or www.curtnwendy.com
   
• Jack and Betty Rollins, Ballroom lessons, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Sundays 3:30-4:45. Homewood Senior Center, 816 Oak Grove Road, $5 per person. 205-987-1445 or jandbrollins@charter.net
   
• Jeff and Irene Spears, Ballroom lessons, the Redmont School, 1220 50th Street, South. Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 PM, $30 per month. Register at 205-599-8719. Jeff 328-9990.

Professional Ballroom Dance Studios:

• Birmingham Ballroom Studio, Trussville, AL 205-661-0335
   
• Dr. Dance, Homewood, Al 205-945-1266
   
• Fred Astaire Hoover, Hoover, AL 205-979-4777
   
• Fred Astaire Southside, Birmingham, Al 205-933-7969

Where to Go Dancing

• Homewood Senior Center, 205-943-0018
  Friday night dances, 7:00-10:00 PM, 1 or 2 piece band on 1st, 3rd, & 5th Fridays, Liz Fowler plays CDs on 2nd and 4th Fridays. Dressy casual. $6.
  Saturday night dances, Dancin' with Liz and Niki, Band on lst Saturdays, CDs on 3rd and 5th Saturdays, 7:00-10:00 PM, lessons 6:30-7:00, dressy casual. $8
  Dance only membership $10 per year. Reduces admission cost. Call for information.
   
• Vestavia Wald Park Lodge, 205-956-6946
  Mondays, 7-9 PM
  Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 PM
  Dressy casual. Bands and CDs. $3 members, $5 guests
   
• Trussville Senior Center, 205-661-1714
  Thursdays (except 2nd Thursdays), 1:30-3:30, casual, CDs
   
• The Redmont School (formerly Comer School), 956-6946
  Mondays, 1:00-3:00, casual, CDs
   
• Birmingham Ballroom Dance Association (BBDA), 205-252-7297, dmyroberts@yahoo.com and www.renez.com
  Meets 4th Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM at the Homewood Senior Center
  $6 members, $8 guests
  Please call to confirm dates and times since schedules may change.

Ballroom Dance Websites

Visit www.renez.com for a comprehensive listing of all ballroom dance events, instructors, dance clubs, and dance newsletters.