Central Illinois Social Dance Scene

mini updates 7/7

2009-07-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES
OR Central Illinois Social Dance Scene
===****====****====+++===****====++++===

Well that was an interesting weekend to try and get in some sort of celebrations!!!
I want to thank everyone who came to DOWNS on Sunday to enjoy the sun, parade, and dancing to BISCUITS N GRAVY BAND.

Congrats to the kids and Granma for putting together the float that Sue and I were riding on. It did win BEST FLOAT...Next year I'll need YOUR help to be a part of the parade.. and then I just might retire, altho I've come up with some fun ideas...
ENCHANTED DOWNS... KNIGHTS OF THE DOWNS TABLE... Fairies and knights and hippies... OH MY!!!!
photos available of float, band and the crowd at
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

+++=====+++++++========+++++++++
Busy month ahead.. not sure if i'll get another chance to email or not... so enjoy JULY... have fun...
*****^^^^^^^^********

SUGAR CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL: Uptown Normal and ISU Quad
(due to road construction).
Sat. 10-5pm
on the music stage: 1
0 am... Sugar Creek Cloggers
11 am.... the Indras
1 pm... Sister Groove
3 Pm.. Sally Weisenburg and Famous Wisemen

Sunday 11-4 pm..
on the music stage:
11 am... Midwest Jazz Collective
12:45 pm... Joe Motzka
2:30 pm.. HIP POCKETdoublecheck:
http://www.wglt.org/events/sugar_creek.phtml
================================

Does anyone know PETER HOLST****? I didn't get his entire email address, he needs to write me again. OOPS!!!
+++++++========++++++++

A special note from my friend Ronnie Scott:

Rita...just a note Ronnie Scott and his Orchestra will be performing on
July 12, 2009 at the KC Hall in Riverton, IL down by Springfield,IL
from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. $15.
Also we are looking for a male and female singer to use on the band.
(309)452-4531 is my phone number
ronniescottorch@comcast.net
www.ronniescottorchestra.com
+++===++++===++++===+++==

NO JULY DANCE FOR FOLLOWING:
Mattoon Walkway Dance,
Tuscola Friendship Dance,
Miller Park Pavilion Dance with Cathy Hempstead,
PLDC/Luv2Dance.
----***----***---***--***---****_--

HERE'S THE WEEKLY SPECIAL DANCE EVENTS
The other sections are listed below on this blog...
1) Weekly Dance Events
2) Places that have dances but I don't usually list
3) Singles Dances or special community dances ( Mattoon or Tuscola)

WEDS JULY 8TH
1) MELVIN: FORD COUNTY FAIR offers AL PIERSON BAND/GUY LOMBARDO ORCH.
8 -11 pm, $12.
Located in an open barn type setting on a wood floor, fair food and alcohol available. LOTS OF FUN... rain or shine... bring munchies to share if you want.SUE IS WILLING TO DRIVE HER BIG SUV IF ANYONE WANTS TO CARPOOL FROM BLM TO MELVIN... LET ME KNOW...
2) PEKIN: Dragon's Dome offers Blues shows with dancing allowed. See their website for more info
3) SPRINGFIELD: Aqua CLub's SWING ETC. meets tonight.. more info thru www.DancingDates.com
4) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers NOVICE BALLROOM NIGHT, 7-9pm, $5

july 9th Thur
1) PEORIA: Dancing under the Stars offers free ballroom dancing with Jim Parks Band, 7-9 pm. FREE!!!
2) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL brings back Jack Vieley Band, 7-10pm
4909 W. Farmington Road. ALL WELCOME... strict ballroom dance tempos!!!
3) CLINTON: Under the Prairie Stars concert series (dancing on sidewalk), offers BORN AGAIN FLOOZIES. New roots music, blast tuba, trombone, stomp and tap with orchestral percussion. www.bornagainfloozies.com

Fri 10
1) BLOOMINGTON : Central IL Singles Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club, 8-12, $10, light munchies. RED/WHITE/BLUE NIGHT.
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers review of 2 step before dance. 8-11pm, See their website for more info...
3) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie Club, 313 S. Main St. offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10pm, all welcome, $5.

July 11, Sat
(Normal's SUGAR CREEK ARTS/BLUES FESTIVAL OPENS.. see above for more info)
1) bloomington: VFW offers CATTLE BANDITS 8-12, all welcome, $5 +double check that info.. I could be wrong....
2) MACKINAW: Vineyards offers SISTER GROOVE!!! 7-10 ish, $5, check website for more info.
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club has open dance 7-10 pm !!! www.pldc.org or msfdance@yahoo.com
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers SWING OUT or GO HOME!!! with Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers... 7:30

Sunday 12
1) BLOOMINGTON: Sugar Creek Arts Festival continues.. HIP POCKET plays today. More info thru WGLT.org. or check info listed above...
2) RIVERTON: Ronnie Scott Orch plays big band dance tunes and much much more. See all the info listed above...

Upcoming events...upcoming events... upcoming events

++++++++=========+++++++++++==

Wed. 15
1) SAVOY; The Regent Ballroom offers WCS/NIGHTCLUB DANCE NIGHT, 7-9 pm, $5.

Thur. 16
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL.. offers Jack Vieley Band... 7-10 pm., ALL WELCOME... strict ballroom dance tempos

Fri. 17
1) PONTIAC: CD'S Crystal Palace offers CATTLE BANDITS, 8-12 See their websites for more info
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Club offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10pm, all welcome, $5
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers a review of QUICKSTEP before the dance. See the ballroom website for more info.
4) BLOOMNGTON: NV Ultralounge offers CAPTAIN RON. 6-9. located in uptown Normal. Parking is interesting with all the road construction... so check websites for info.
5) PEORIA; Cont. Art Center of Peoria offers Salsa/Latin night, see their website for more info.

Sat. 18
1) MACKINAW: VINEYARDS offers Bubblegum Jack, 7-10 ish, $5. check the website for more info
2) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace offers CATTLE BANDITS, 8-12.
OK.. that's all I want to do for this issue.. I'll keep it short since it's summer and we all want to go outside...

==========+++===========++

MOVIE TIME FOR ALL:
Just one more thing: I've been asked many times to set up the Blm MEETUP site and I think I'm already bogged down with site after site...so I will do this...a few years ago, I arranged movie nights for us. We saw DIRTY DANCING; HOT HAVANA NIGHTS, DANCE WITH ME and went to The Castle Theater and saw Phantom of the Opera with Gerard Butler.Well, Gerard has a new movie coming out on July 24th called THE UGLY TRUTH.
I've been talking and I'm going to try and get a ton of you to see it on either Sat. the 25th or Sunday the 26th.We're leaning towards a 4 ish showing on Sat. so that we can grab a burger and head out to Mack. Vineyards or just find another place in town to hang out.

So, I'll keep you posted.
REMEMBER ... everyone is invited... kids, parents, family, co-workers, etc.

=========
So for more dance info don't forget to check out the
http://www.dancingdates.com
Or my last old blog entry
http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com
GO HAVE FUN...
AND SEE YOU ON THE DANCE FLOOR....RETRO RITA....

Dance Info: weekly, singles, general places

2009-07-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is the stuff that's usually at the end of my weekly email... putting it here in case the summer gets soooo busy I can't write anything...
Enjoy...............

UPDATED... WEEKLY DANCE EVENTS.... call ahead or check local newspapers

MON
1) SPRINGFIELD: Central Illinois Blues Club offers live bands and dancing at THE ALAMO, 115 N. 5th St. 217-523-1455
http://www.rivercityblues.com

WEDS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club. 7-10 , COUNTRY DANCE. See their website.www.pldc.org
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club SWING ETC, dance...7-9:30 with DJ Claude... see www.DancingDates.comfor more info
3) CHAMPAIGN: Bradley's II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave offers Country dance 9-2 ($5), /free line dance lessons 8-9 pm. 1906 W. Bradley Ave
4) PEKIN: Dragon Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave. 309-346-4123, LIVE BLUES BANDS and dancing allowed!!! $3, 7-10 +. http://www.rivercityblues.com

THURSDAYS
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL, Live ballroom type bands. 309-676-97252) CHAMPAIGN: CU Swing Club Dance. FREE. McKinley Foundation
9:30-11:45pm,
http://cu-swing.org

FRIDAYS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers country dancing with DJ. See their website for info ( www.pldc.org)
2) SPRINGFIELD: Central IL Singles/Couples Dance. DJ or live music. VFW Post 755. 8:30-11:30. More info thru link below: SPECIAL WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.DancingDates.com They will have the bands listed.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers ballroom/latin dancing with DJ. See website for theme nights.
4) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie CLUB in DT (313 S. Main) offers dancing with DOUBLE TROUBLE. There is a $5 cover Call club for details: 309-829-1320.
+++ a whole bunch of singles go there when we're not at Duke's singles dance. So, when we're there, we take down tables for more room to dance.
5) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave, offers COUNTRY DANCING with DJ, $5. free line dance lessons 8-9, dance afterwards.
6) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers SALSA/LATIN DANCE first and third Friday of the month. contact : www.peoriacac.org

Also, FRIDAY/ SATURDAYS: bloomington/normal (contact the bars for info)
1) SIX STRINGS, dt Blm, offers counrty on weekends and SALSA on Weds. 9-1 am, lessons 9 pm.525 N. Center St.
2) RHINO'S brings back SALSA... www.meetup.com/Salsa-in-Central-Illinois
3) SLICK RICK'S has a variety of dance bands.
4) VFW has a variety of dance bands, usually on Sat. nights.
5) THE EAGLES CLUB, dt Blm usually offers DOUBLE TROUBLE ... 7-10.

SATURDAY
1) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II 1906 W. Bradley Ave. offers R & B Dance with DJ, 9--2. $52) CHAMPAIGN: RADIO MARIA, offers SALSA 10:30-2 am, 119 N. Walnut St. Check out website.

SUNDAYS
1) PANA: Pla-Mor Dance Land. LIVE big bands 5-8, $8. Call for bands.+
2) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie 527 COUNTRY MUSIC live bands, acts change every week.... 313 S. Main St. TWICE A MONTH 309-829-1320 small fee.
3) URBANA: Champaign Urbana Dance Club with Glenn H, at THE ROSE BOWL on Race, 1/2 block North of Main St. email: cudancetonight@yahoo.com Glenn for details: 778-4741
4) PEORIA: BRADLEY SWING DANCERS: info on PAL-Swing website+++ Peoria Area Lindy/Swing event www.palswing.com

===================
PLACES THAT MIGHT HAVE DANCES THAT I DIDN'T LIST...
Details for most are found on
www.DancingDates.com
1) LaSalle: Paramount Club, 2411 St. Vincent Ave.
2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd
3) EAST PEORIA: Fon du lac Park District, 201 Veterans Dr.
4) PEKIN: Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St
5) SPRINGFIELD: lime street cafe... 851 South Durkin. not much of a dance floor available but it can be done.
6) PEORIA: Body Fitness INC. DJ, Open ballroom/swing/latin dance on some Sat. or Fridays. Contact them for days: 309-685-1950... now seen on www.DancingDates.com
www.fitndance.com
7) LINCOLN: VFW offers a monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month- ballroom dance . Live bands 217-566-2129 or 732-6771
8) SPRINGFIELD: Maya Restaurant, 131 e. Jefferson ( 2nd and Jefferson) Salsa dancing
1st and 3rd Sat.,
9-1, $3.
217-541-6292

9) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace... an old MOOSE LODGE, dancing, lessons, karaokewww.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace 815-842-1590
10) LaSalle VFW has a dance open to the public every month...featuring The Gators for more info, call the answering machine for dates and times: 815-223-6665Located at 24th and Donohue St. ---------------------------------------------

*** DANCE EVENTS information
Mostly singles some ALL WELCOME................

======================================
WalkWay Singles Dance, Mattoon IL ,
5-9 pm, $10.Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd.
Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor.
www.walkwayinc.com
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH.. no dance in July ... =====================================

SINGLES FOR ST.JUDE'S DANCE ... with Hostess Ms. Edie...
Ms. Edie's Oasis on Farmington Road,
309-783-3871
Peoria IL... the Fourth Sunday of the month. NEXT DANCE is ??? , 2009 , 6:30-10, $10. with DOUBLE TROUBLE...
email: msedieoasis@gmail.com
==============================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS FRIENDSHIP DANCE : located in Tuscola... !!!
Dances on the second Sat. night of every month in 2008:
NO JULY DANCE. Aug. 8,
Sept. 12, Oct 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12
Everyone over 21 is welcome.
Couples, singles, married.... 7:30-10:30 pm. no smoking, no alcohol.
DJ Ted LustFree lessons
7:30-8pm with the Sweets. Food, Dancing, door prizes.
Tuscola Community Building in Tuscola. 122 W. North Central Ave.
$8 for singles/ $15 for couples.
217-346-2552
======================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES DANCES
( Singles/Social Dance is how I advertise it in The Pantagraph) Duke Babb's singles dances,
PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND... see his website listed below.
$10.
8-12.
Light munchies. +he is looking for new locations/towns to have dances.
If you have any ideas, please let him know.

DANCE DATES:
ALL WELCOME TO COME...
July 10 (RED/WHITE/BLUE NIGHT) &
July 24
+++ attendees are NOT required to dress or participate in the THEME dance nights.

And DUKE plays a few tunes to fit the theme but DOES NOT overload us with the theme music.
LOCATION: BLOOMINGTON, The New Lafayette CLub. 1602 S. Main St. ... bar. floating wood dance floor, 309-828-1212
(TUCKED BEHIND PARKING LOT OF "GROWING GROUNDS", entrance off Lafayette St. )
http://dept-56.org/Lafayette
Duke's website with photos:

http://centralillinoissinglesdance.com,
more info above.....
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

================================

quickie for 4th and movie night

2009-07-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to
CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES
OR Central Illinois Social Dance Scene

===****====****====+++===****====++++===

Well, since there's a big holiday this weekend, I'm gonna make this a frenzied quickie...

So, first.. THE HIPPIE/LUAU PARTY with Duke in Blm was a whole lotta fun.
I think we'll move the event off of RELAY FOR LIFE Friday.....
Thanks to Ralph for helping with decorating and Patti for helping Duke get set-up and decorated.
Thanks to Ralph, Oliver and Mark for helping me tear -down and deliver to my car.
Photos are posted for this event and photos from the
Benji Schwimmer/Melanie LaPatin, HELLO RITA video.

Available on FACEBOOK!!http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
**********************************************

It was great to see so many out at Miller Park to listen and dance to MODERN COWBOYS.. there was even Salsa dancing on the ISU Quad on Monday night... fun fun...

=======================

THE WRAINBOW BALLROOM has been going thru some repairs, please check their website to make sure they are having Sunday dances and the classes are starting up real soon:
http://wrainbowballroom.com

^^^^*********^^^^^^^^^^^^^*************^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I heard a group from B/N went to the Body Fitness Latin Dance on Saturday and had a great time. I hope to join them someday...
++++++++++++++++++++++

Does anyone know PETER HOLST****? I didn't get his entire email address, he needs to write me again. OOPS!!!
++++++++++++++++

I'm sure you've all heard that THE HUB BALLROOM burned down last week.. it was old wood and went down pretty quickly.

All in all , it was a tough week with the loss of Ed, Farrah, Michael, The Hub and Billy Mays (famous pitchman)... and even a few more since I started writing this letter.
REST YE GENTLE.....
++++++++========+++++++++++++=============

NO DANCES IN JULY FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Mattoon Walkway Dance,
Tuscola Friendship Dance,
Miller Park Pavilion Dance with Cathy Hempstead,
PLDC/Luv2Dance.
----***----***---***--***---****_--
July 1st: Johnny Depp's new movie opens!!!

July 3rd, Friday
1) Savoy: The Regent Ballroom , 8-11, pre-selected ballroom music. Wear Red/White/Blue. More info on their website
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Club offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, all welcome, $5.located at 313 S. Main St.
3) PEORIA: Contemp. Art Center of Peoria has Salsa/Latin night. See their website for more info. 305 SW Water ST. lesson 8:30 /dance 9:30. www.peoriacac.org

July 4th
1) DOWNS: Biscuits N Gravy Band, Dooley Park, 4-7pm... food, fun and family...parade at noon...

WEDS JULY 8TH
1) MELVIN: FORD COUNTY FAIR offers AL PIERSON BAND/GUY LOMBARDO ORCH.8 -11 pm, $10. Located in an open barn type setting on a wood floor, fair food and alcohol available. LOTS OF FUN... rain or shine...
SUE IS WILLING TO DRIVE HER BIG SUV IF ANYONE WANTS TO CARPOOL FROM BLM TO MELVIN... LET ME KNOW... rkb3878@msn.com
2) PEKIN: Dragon's Dome offers Blues shows with dancing allowed. See their website for more info
3) SPRINGFIELD: Aqua CLub's SWING ETC. meets tonight.. more info thru www.DancingDates.com
4) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers NOVICE BALLROOM NIGHT, 7-9pm, $5

july 9th Thur
1) PEORIA: Dancing under the Stars offers free ballroom dancing with Jim Parks Band, 7-9 pm. FREE!!!
2) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL brings back Jack Vieley Band, 7-10pm4909 W. Farmington Road.

Fri 10
1) BLOOMINGTON : Central IL Singles Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club, 8-12, $10, light munchies. RED/WHITE/BLUE NIGHT.
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers review of 2 step before dance. See their website for more info...
3) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie Club, 313 S. Main St. offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10pm, all welcome, $5.

July 11, Sat (Normal's SUGAR CREEK ARTS/BLUES FESTIVAL OPENS)
1) bloomington: VFW offers CATTLE BANDITS 8-12, all welcome, $5
2) MACKINAW: Vineyards offers SISTER GROOVE!!! 7-10 ish, $5, check website for more info.
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club has COUNTRY DANCE WORKSHOPSplanned for the day. See their website for more info. Register by June 30thopen dance 7-10 pm !!! www.pldc.org or msfdance@yahoo.com
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers SWING OUT or GO HOME!!! with Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers... 7:30

Sunday 12
1) BLOOMINGTON: Sugar Creek Arts Festival continues.. HIP POCKET plays today. More info thru WGLT.org.

Upcoming events...upcoming events... upcoming events

========++++++++=========+++++++++++==
Wed. 151) SAVOY; The Regent Ballroom offers WCS/NIGHTCLUB DANCE NIGHT, 7-9 pm, $5.

Fri. 17
1) PONTIAC: CD'S Crystal Palace offers CATTLE BANDITS, 8-12 See their websites for more info
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Club offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10pm, all welcome, $5
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers a review of QUICKSTEP before the dance. See the ballroom website for more info.
4) BLOOMNGTON: NV Ultralounge offers CAPTAIN RON. 6-9. located in uptown Normal. Parking is interesting with all the road construction... so check websites for info.
5) PEORIA; Cont. Art Center of Peoria offers Salsa/Latin night, see their website for more info.

Sat. 18
1) MACKINAW: VINEYARDS offers Bubblegum Jack, 7-10 ish, $5. check the website for more info
2) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace offers CATTLE BANDITS, 8-12.

OK.. that's all I want to do for this issue..

Just one more thing: I've been asked many times to set up the
Blm MEETUP site and I think I'm already bogged down with site after site...so I will do this...a few years ago, I arranged movie nights for us.

We saw DIRTY DANCING; HOT HAVANA NIGHTS,
DANCE WITH ME
and went to The Castle Theater and saw Phantom of the Opera with Gerard Butler.

Well, Gerard has a new movie coming out on July 24th called
THE UGLY TRUTH.
I've been talking and I'm going to try and get a ton of you to see it on either
Sat. the 25th or Sunday the 26th.
We're leaning towards a 4 ish showing on Sat. so that we can grab a burger and head out to
Mack. Vineyards or just find another place in town to hang out.
So, I'll keep you posted.

REMEMBER ... everyone is invited... kids, parents, family, co-workers, etc.

So for more dance info don't forget to check out the
http://www.dancingdates.com

Or my last old blog entry
http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY JULY 4THCome see us in the big parade in Downs at NOON...

Luau Hippie Dance

2009-06-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Here's our host, Duke and Diana. Both were actually at the KICKAPOO CREEK ROCK FESTIVAL.... 39 years ago..
That's me and Oliver. This man is bald, so he was having fun with his new long locks...
This is Joy and she thinks he's real!!!
Mary Jo is having a fun time in the sea...

updates 6/17 and movie info

2009-06-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL Illinois Dancing Singles or
Central Illinois Social Dance Scene
everything dance friendly+

http://www.217dance.com
====+++++==========
++++=======

Hi - and another hectic week for dancing and other forms of entertainment!!!

Thursday started outdoor monthly concerts in the Clinton square. My window knockin' , Tommy L., came down and we sat out in the cold windy weather for 3 hours. He nicely went and got coffee and hot chocolate at THE LOFT at the break...We had a great night of music with
14 yr old Matthew Curry and the Curfew . Then the night ended with
Kilborn Alley.
and Matthew came on stage for the last 2 songs.
+++++
MOVIE NIGHT...Love Among the Ruins

The movie was shot all around the Greek ruins so it's beautiful! It has some very funny parts!!! And a love story. The lady (NIA) from MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING is "the star" and we really enjoyed it after all the big budget blockbusters we'd seen.
She pleaded with the audience to go see the film because the big movie making companies aren't doing any female lead movies in the near future!!! So, to have this film become a moneymaker will snub the hot shots.
++==++==++==++==

Friday it was off to the Lafayette Club for Duke's dance.
The numbers were up for this event now that graduation and holiday weekends are over.There really isn't much Duke or I can do about getting the tables set up the way we like IF there's a big event at the club on Sat., then the tables are set in place earlier in the week when they have enough staff to do it.
And Duke really can't threaten to leave, because there's nowhere else to go that wants to do a regular schedule and keep the admission price where it is. So, until one of us buys The Elks Club... we're kinda stuck...
=+=+=+=+==+=+

Saturday it was 5 hours of good music in downtown
BLOOMINGTON for the
WGLT Summer Concert!!! My ice cream cone was HUGE!!! My corndog was HOT AND CRISP and the last band ( R & B Bombers) was WILD COOL AND SWINGIN' ....The crowd was small at first, but the weather held out for us and everyone at Mackinaw Valley Vineyards. Nora Jean Bruso did your blues, that man done me wrong, type.
Hot Club Detroit was your fast fast 20's type jazz/swing.
Almost too fast to dance to, but we did fit in swings, polkas and clogging.
It was their last song that stood out... a nice beautiful RUMBA... so SwingKat George W. and I went out and pulled off an awesome routine for the crowd.. especially Delta Frank... sitting right there and cheering us on.
Luckily George could hold me cause he put me into a slow dip at the very end and I mean SLOOOWWWW.. and amazing!!!

Thanks SwingKat... that was fun...but it was
R & B Bombers
who brought out the crowd and got them dancing in the streets!!!
Tim and I bought their CD's so maybe I can get Duke to play a song or two. They were swing jazz. Lots of brass, great dance beat... great singer (ala Huey Lewis).
The band kinda reminded me of Hip Pocket.
CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS:
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

Especially the very last photo and see who was out enjoying the sun and food!!! They're my new BFFs !!! Honest !!!

**++**++**++

I hear that BISCUITS N GRAVY BAND had an excellent turnout at
Mackinaw Valley Vineyards last Saturday. Sounds like everyone had a good time dancing and eating.. In fact, Sue says someone left behind a knife!!! And she has it!!! Let me know if you want to claim it...I'll see BNG in Downs on the 4th of July... join us... we're in the parade again... AND MICKEY...

*=**===***====***==*=

Photos now available on Picasaweb for
Rantoul Chanute fundraiser,
Glenn Miller Orch (sorry but most are real dark),
and the concert above...
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
___________________________

Does everyone know that an IWU student is on
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE???
He made the first cut!!! His name is
Evan Kasprzak.
He and his brother auditioned and when it came to the final cut.. it was between them and Evan got the spot. His style is "Broadway".
=======

So you want to be in a movie??? More info at the very end for the shoot this Saturday in Champaign.
==++==++==++==++==++==++

BODY FITNESS, INC
Latin Night 3
Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2009
Time: 8pm-9pm: Tango Lesson
9pm-1am: Latin Music Open Dance (Salsa, Cha-cha, Tango, Merengue, Bachata, Rumba...)
Place: Body Fitness Dance Studio
3020 N University, Peoria, IL 61604

Admission:
Tango Lesson + Open Dance: $8 single, $12 couple Open Dance Only: $5 single, $8 couple
Student Discount available with valid ID Music by DJ Ed Caballero (El dueno de la Salsa)
Salsa Performance by Peoria Latin Vibe Dance Team
For more information call 309-685-1950,
email bodyfit@sbcglobal.net, or go to www.fitndance.com

Thanks,Denisse Gomez-Wehbe
=======+++++===++++====

Old news..========
A new website called MEETUP.COM
is a great place to find friends for food, movies and dancing.Most of you know that there's a site for
PEORIA SINGLES.. the non-dancing group.Now I've signed up for the
SALSA IN CENTRAL IL site!!! They will keep us posted about salsa dancing in Peoria/Blm/Nrl/C-U... FUN FUN FUN.... JOIN NOW...

*************************
Don't forget we have a Beach Party/ WOODSTOCK HIPPIE inspired theme going on at Duke's Singles/Social Dance on the 26th.
Just come in very casual wear.
Relax.. if you want to join me as a hippie.. please doooo so... GROOVY.. This is the time to wear your cruisewear, teenyweeny polka dot bikini, tropical printed shirts, skirts, dresses, etc... and new this year... HIPPIE tie-dye or dashiki or PEACE sign t-shirts or fringe vests, etc..
^^^^^^^^^^^^^""""""""""^^^^^^^^^^

ROLLIN' ON THE RIVER WORKSHOPS taking place Sept. 3-7 in St. Louis are now taking ticket orders. Looks like I should be there with some other friends (BNCS group) from around the area... see their website for more info:
www.wcsdc.com
Workshops MIGHT be in Hustle, East Coast Swing, West Coast, Imperial, Carolina Shag, etc.. it hasn't been posted!!!

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

THIS WEEKS EVENTS THIS WEEKS EVENTS
==+++====+++++++======+++++++====

Weds 17: see below for more info
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancinghttp://www.rivercityblues.com for band details
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC. dance. Offering different workshops every week.. info at : http://www.dancingdates.com
3) BLOOMINGTON: SIX STRINGS located in downtown, offers SALSA. Lessons 9pm, dance after til 1 am.525 N. Center St., 829-9977

Thurs. 18
1) PEORIA: Dancing Under the Stars with JIM MARKUM SWING BAND, Glen Oak Amphitheatre, 7-9 pm.

Fri 19
1) BLOOMINGTON: Slidin' into Summer.. with Beach Boys cover band: STILL SURFIN' and opening act: BOAT DRUNKS.. Summer concert series outside the Blm Center for Performing Arts. cash only, $10/advance, $15 at door. Space for dancing. Will be moved indoors if raining.+++ I'm pretty sure I'm headed here for some summer lovin' !!!
2) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers ballroom dancing with SECOND GENERATION SWING... see their website for more info
3) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10pm, $5, all welcome, 313 S. Main St.
4) BLOOMINGTON: Second Chance Prom at Chateau of Bloomington, $10. Call for more info: 309-834-4353
5) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom pre-selected ballroom dance, 8-11 theme: FATHER'S DAY
6) PEORIA: Peoria Center for Cont. Art should be having their SALSA/LATIN dance night.. check their website for more information.
7) BLOOMINGTON: VFW offers CAPTAIN RON BAND, 6-9 PM, $5, all welcome.+++ some of the BNP dancers are starting here and then going off to The Eagles to end the night...

Sat. 20th
1) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers fun dancing with ROCK-A-BILLY SWING with Hudson and Hoo Doo Cats
2) TUSCOLA: CENTRAL IL FRIENDSHIP DANCE, Comm.Center, 7:30-10:30. all welcome, more info listed below...
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers teir ballroom dance with Viennese Waltz lesson. Pre-selected ballroom music. WIDE VARIETY.. great time to practice your dancing. More room and only $5!!!
4) MACKINAW VALLEY VINEYARDS: The winery offers COCO LOCO BAND.. 7-10:30, probably $5. Dancing on concrete. No outside beverages allowed... buy food and drinks on site... see their website for more info.
5) CHAMPAIGN: every Sat... SALSA DANCING at Radio Maria Cafe/Bar, 119 N. Walnut St. 10:30-2 am. check their website for more info.

Sunday 21
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright, 2-5 pm, $5, 101 E. Mulberry St. located above STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. 309-824-4007
------------------------------------

UPCOMING EVENTS..UPCOMING EVENTS..

Tues 23
1) BLOOMINGTON: Jim Markum Swing Band at Miller Park Bandstand, (inside Miller Park ) 7:30-9 ish. Bring supper or some munchies available at food stand. Dancing allowed on sidewalk, but last year dancers took the stage by the band.. so come on down and SWING SWING SWING...+++Weather permitting

Weds 24: see below for more info
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancing
http://www.rivercityblues.com for band details
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC. dance. Offering different workshops every week.. info at : http://www.dancingdates.com
3) BLOOMINGTON: SIX STRINGS located in downtown, offers SALSA. Lessons 9pm, dance after til 1 am.525 N. Center St., 829-997.

Thurs. 25
1) PEORIA: Dancing Under The Stars at Glenn Oak Amp, offers BILL HARDESTY BAND for your dancing pleasure... 7-9pm, FREE...

Fri. 26
1) BLOOMINGTON: Central IL Singles Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club. This is the Beach Party/Hippie WOODSTOCK CELEBRATION PARTY... come dressed very casual, cruisewear and anything from 60's.. especially your HIPPIE attire...
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers class demo night.. see their website for more info.
3) BLOOMINGTON; The Eagles CLub offers DOUBLE TROUBLE for a variety dance. 7-10, 313 S. Main St. ALL WELCOME, $5.

Sat. 27th
1) CHICAGO: Grant Park... dancing with SWING NOUVEAU
2) PEORIA: Body Fitness, Inc offers LATIN NIGHT...8-9 pm TANGO lesson, then dancing til 1 am.
3020 N. University, 309-685-1950
See all the info above ^^^^^
3) MACKINAW VALLEY VINEYARDS: Offers CLASSIC ROCK with THE SHAKE
7pm, $5, no liquids from outside allowed...
4) SPRINGFIELD: STELLA BLUE offers Salsa dancing. Located 221 South 5th St., above Sebatian's Restaurant. lessons 9-10pm, dance til 12:30 with DJ Riq , $3. TOP 40'S 12:30-3 am!!! future dances on last Saturday of the month.
http://www.dancingdates.com or SalsaNights@comcast.net

Sun. 28th
1) INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Roof Ballroom offers Johnnie Kaye Orch., 5-9. See their website for more info.
2) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright, 2-5 pm, $5. 101 E. Mulberry St., downtown above STAINED GLASS DESIGNS
3) PEORIA: St. Jude's for SINGLES DANCE at Ms. Edie's Oasis... see info listed below.
==========================

More dance info available on
http://www.dancingdates.com
-----------------

For ALL info including DancingDates go to a page of links by Dusten:
http://www.217dance.com
My blog:
http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com
TEACHERS ARE LISTED IN MY BLOG ... TAKE A CLASS... HAVE FUN...

WEBALBUMS:
http://picasaweb.google.com/margielwalker
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

upload your photos to my dropbox and they will appear in the webalbum:
RetroRita58.floozyshoes@picasaweb.com
+++++++++++++++

UPDATED... WEEKLY DANCE EVENTS.... call ahead or check local newspapers

MON
1) SPRINGFIELD: Central Illinois Blues Club offers live bands and dancing at THE ALAMO, 115 N. 5th St. 217-523-1455
http://www.rivercityblues.com

WEDS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club. 7-10 , COUNTRY DANCE. See their website.www.pldc.org
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club SWING ETC, dance...7-9:30 with DJ Claude... see www.DancingDates.comfor more info
3) CHAMPAIGN: Bradley's II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave offers Country dance 9-2 ($5), /free line dance lessons 8-9 pm. 1906 W. Bradley Ave
4) PEKIN: Dragon Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave. 309-346-4123, LIVE BLUES BANDS and dancing allowed!!! $3, 7-10 +. http://www.rivercityblues.com

THURSDAYS
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL, Live ballroom type bands. 309-676-97252) CHAMPAIGN: CU Swing Club Dance. FREE. McKinley Foundation9:30-11:45pm,
http://cu-swing.org

FRIDAYS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers country dancing with DJ. See their website for info ( www.pldc.org)
2) SPRINGFIELD: Central IL Singles/Couples Dance. DJ or live music. VFW Post 755. 8:30-11:30. More info thru link below:
SPECIAL WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.DancingDates.com They will have the bands listed.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers ballroom/latin dancing with DJ. See website for theme nights.
4) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie CLUB in DT (313 S. Main) offers dancing with DOUBLE TROUBLE. There is a $5 cover Call club for details: 309-829-1320. +++ a whole bunch of singles go there when we're not at Duke's singles dance. So, when we're there, we take down tables for more room to dance.
5) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave, offers COUNTRY DANCING with DJ, $5. free line dance lessons 8-9, dance afterwards.
6) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers SALSA/LATIN DANCE first and third Friday of the month. contact : www.peoriacac.org

Also, FRIDAY/ SATURDAYS: bloomington/normal (contact the bars for info)
1) SIX STRINGS, dt Blm, offers counrty on weekends and SALSA on Weds. 9-1 am, lessons 9 pm.525 N. Center St.
2) RHINO'S brings back SALSA... www.meetup.com/Salsa-in-Central-Illinois
3) SLICK RICK'S has a variety of dance bands.
4) VFW has a variety of dance bands, usually on Sat. nights.
5) THE EAGLES CLUB, dt Blm usually offers DOUBLE TROUBLE ... 7-10.

SATURDAY
1) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II 1906 W. Bradley Ave. offers R & B Dance with DJ, 9--2. $5
2) CHAMPAIGN: RADIO MARIA, offers SALSA 10:30-2 am, 119 N. Walnut St. Check out website.

SUNDAYS
1) PANA: Pla-Mor Dance Land. LIVE big bands 5-8, $8. Call for bands.+
2) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie 527 COUNTRY MUSIC live bands, acts change every week.... 313 S. Main St. TWICE A MONTH 309-829-1320 small fee.
3) URBANA: Champaign Urbana Dance Club with Glenn H, at THE ROSE BOWL on Race, 1/2 block North of Main St. email: cudancetonight@yahoo.com Glenn for details: 778-4741
4) PEORIA: BRADLEY SWING DANCERS: info on PAL-Swing website+++ Peoria Area Lindy/Swing event www.palswing.com

==============================
PLACES THAT MIGHT HAVE DANCES THAT I DIDN'T LIST...
Details for most are found on
www.DancingDates.com
1) LaSalle: Paramount Club, 2411 St. Vincent Ave.
2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd
3) EAST PEORIA: Fon du lac Park District, 201 Veterans Dr.
4) PEKIN: Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St
5) SPRINGFIELD: lime street cafe... 851 South Durkin. not much of a dance floor available but it can be done.
6) PEORIA: Body Fitness INC. DJ, Open ballroom/swing/latin dance on some Sat. or Fridays. Contact them for days:309-685-1950... now seen on www.DancingDates.com
7) LINCOLN: VFW offers a monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month- ballroom dance . Live bands 217-566-2129 or 732-6771
8) SPRINGFIELD: Maya Restaurant, 131 e. Jefferson ( 2nd and Jefferson) Salsa dancing 1st and 3rd Sat., 9-1, $3.217-541-6292
9) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace... an old MOOSE LODGE, dancing, lessons, karaokewww.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace 815-842-1590
10) LaSalle VFW has a dance open to the public every month...featuring The Gators for more info, call the answering machine for dates and times: 815-223-6665Located at 24th and Donohue St.

---------------------------------------------
*** DANCE EVENTS information Mostly singles some ALL WELCOME..............
======================

WalkWay Singles Dance,
Mattoon IL , 5-9 pm, $10.Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor. www.walkwayinc.com
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH.. June 7th
==========================

SINGLES FOR ST.JUDE'S DANCE ... with Hostess Ms. Edie...
Ms. Edie's Oasis on Farmington Road, 309-783-3871
Peoria IL... the Fourth Sunday of the month.
NEXT DANCE is June 28th , 2009 , 6:30-10, $10. with DOUBLE TROUBLE...
email: msedieoasis@gmail.com
=================================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS FRIENDSHIP DANCE :
located in Tuscola... !!!
Dances on the second Sat. night of every month in 2008:
June 20th, NO JULY DANCE. Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12
Everyone over 21 is welcome. Couples, singles, married.... 7:30-10:30 pm. no smoking, no alcohol. DJ Ted LustFree lessons 7:30-8pm with the Sweets.
Food, Dancing, door prizes. Tuscola Community Building in Tuscola.
122 W. North Central Ave.
$8 for singles/ $15 for couples.
217-346-2552

======================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES DANCES ( Singles/Social Dance is how I advertise it in The Pantagraph) Duke Babb's singles dances, PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND... see his website listed below. $10. 8-12. Light munchies. +he is looking for new locations/towns to have dances. If you have any ideas, please let him know.
DANCE DATES: ALL WELCOME TO COME...
June 12

June 26th: Hippie Dippie Luau Party... celebrate WOODSTOCK '69 AND BEACH PARTY FUN.... all in 1 night...Hippies very much allowed.. must wear clothes...

July 10 (RED/WHITE/BLUE NIGHT)&
July 24
+++ attendees are NOT required to dress or participate in the THEME dance nights. And DUKE plays a few tunes to fit the theme but DOES NOT overload us with the theme music.
LOCATION: BLOOMINGTON, The New Lafayette CLub. 1602 S. Main St. ... bar. floating wood dance floor, 309-828-1212
(TUCKED BEHIND PARKING LOT OF "GROWING GROUNDS", entrance off Lafayette St. )
http://dept-56.org/Lafayette
Duke's website with photos:
http://centralillinoissinglesdance.com,
more info above....
.http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
=====================

DECATUR: SINGLES DANCES need new co-ordinator... next dance ????, call... 217-422-3791 for info or if you'd like to take over this dance !!!
^*^^^^^^^^^^^***=======+++++++++++++++++++++++=============
So you want to be in a movie???

This movie is not possible without you, we are greatly appreciative! Thank you.

Leading Ladies/ Ballroom Competition

What: Series of scenes at an amateur, Midwestern ballroom competition

Who: All ages (10 years old and older) and types. We will need at least 100 people for this scene to watch and mingle during the competition.

Where: Franklin Middle School, 817 N. Harris, Champaign, IL

When: Saturday, June 20, 9am

What to Bring:
2-3 costume choices within these guidelines:
This scene takes place in early Fall
No Black, white, pinks, t-shirts, jeans, logos or trademarks, large prints
Think special occasion or church.
Women should wear normal make-up.

Please bring something quiet to do while you are waiting throughout the day (reading material, soduku, crosswords). Do not bring ANYTHING that makes ANY noise. Cell phones must be turned off for the duration of filming. We will provide some food and drinks. You may bring your own as well. It mostly likely be very hot that day, so please make sure to drink lots of water.

Leading Ladies is not responsible for any damaged or stolen property. Consider leaving valuables at home. You will not receive payment or housing for this position. You will receive screen credit.
Participation is subject to crew’s approval.

For more information, contact Jenna at (630)532-7672 or jenna@leadingladiesmovie.com

Let Love Lead
www.leadingladiesmovie.com

-- Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Extras Casting Director

jenna@leadingladiesmovie.com
(630)532-7672

updates 6/10

2009-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL Illinois Dancing Singles or
Central Illinois Social Dance Scene
everything dance friendly+
http://www.217dance.com

====+++++===========+
Well, I had an EXCELLENT weekend plus of dancing!!!
WOW.. doesn't happen very often that I have the Fri/Sat/Sun full.. but then Tues it was off to Peoria to dance to
GLENN MILLER ORCH... in the new ballroom on the top floor.. and at break, we all went out to the balcony and checked out the view... very nice!!!

Well, the dance floor was TOO SMALL, of course... so I did tell a page to make it bigger next time. He said he'd already heard that complaint and would turn it in.
The floor was slick, so I changed shoes 3 times. ANd the band did more than just Glenn's music, they did a variety, so you could do hug/waddles/ lindy swing/ WCS/ ECS, etc. Very fun...
But before that dance on TUESDAY...
--------------------------
On Friday it was off to The Eagles Club.

----
Saturday, a whole bunch of us had a really great time in Rantoul at the big band fundraiser dance... Photos available on the PICASAWEB site... soon!The band was just fine, the floor was slick concrete and the sun was shining!!!I hope to do it again next year.And then maybe this time I won't get lost going home!!! I took a left and shoulda gone RIGHT... oh well...
Very well attended.-----

Then Sunday it was off to Miller Park Pavilion and help get that dance set up since Cathy had something else to do til 5pm. Unfortunately, the park dept FORGOT we had a dance that night and we had to make some calls and Cathy finally got the lady to come and open up the pavilion with 5 mins. to spare... we rushed and got it up and running...thanks team: Brad, Oliver, Ken, Ramona, Tim!!!

================
From Mickey:
SUNDAY June 14th...
First Methodist Church FUN FEST... munchies, non-alcoholic drinks, and FREE DANCING... Mickey Lower will be there to paint your face, arm, legs, back...She said a Mariachi band will be there for Salsa dancing!!! AND IT'S FREE!!!! Located off SCHOOL STREET, NORMAL. 4:30-6:30 pm=

+++=======+++=========+++
A new website called MEETUP.COM is a great place to find friends for food, movies and dancing.Most of you know that there's a site for PEORIA SINGLES.. the non-dancing group.
Now I've signed up for the SALSA IN CENTRAL IL site!!! They will keep us posted about salsa dancing in Peoria/Blm/Nrl/C-U... FUN FUN FUN.... JOIN NOW...

*************************
SECOND CHANCE PROM
This time at (Jumer's) Chateau of Bloomington on Veteran's Parkway and Jumer Drive, on June 19th, $10.for details call: 309-834-4353

+++++++++
Don't forget we have a Beach Party/ WOODSTOCK Hippie inspired theme going on at Duke's Singles/Social Dance on the 26th. Just come in very casual wear. Relax.. if you want to join me as a hippie.. please doooo so... GROOVY..
^^^^^^^^^^^^^""""""""""^^^^^^^^^^

ROLLIN' ON THE RIVER WORKSHOPS taking place Sept. 3-7 in St. Louis are now taking ticket orders. Looks like I should be there with some other friends from around the area... see their website for more info:www.wcsdc.com
Workshops MIGHT be in Hustle, East Coast Swing, West Coast, Imperial, Carolina Shag, etc.. it hasn't been posted!!!'
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

THIS WEEKS EVENTS THIS WEEKS EVENTS

==+++====+++++++=========+++++++====
Weds 10: see below for more info
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancinghttp://www.rivercityblues.com for band details
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC. dance. Offering different workshops every week.. info at : http://www.dancingdates.com3) SPRINGFIELD: Casey's Pub offers REWIND, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Rd. 8:30-12;30, 217-787-2360

Thurs. 11
1) PEORIA: Dancing Under the Stars at the Glen Oak Ampitheatre, with ARISTOCRATS,7-9 pm, YES IT'S DANCING OUTSIDE....

Fri. 12
1) BLOOMINGTON: Central Illinois Singles/Social Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club, all welcome, more info listed below+I didn't get this listed in the paper... so pass the word.. THERE IS A DANCE...
2) BLOOMINGTON: Eagles Aerie Club offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5, all welcome ...313 S. Main St.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, MOJITO SPECIAL, 8-11pm. pre-selected ballroom music, all welcome
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers ballroom dancing with AMBASSADORS OF SWING. more info on their website
5) CHICAGO: Summer dance program at GRANT PARK, 6-9:30. Lessons 6-7 and then dance to GINA KNIGHT ORCH.
6) CLINTON: BREAKERS Bar and Grill offers CATTLE BANDITS, 8-12, $?Located on Madison and Jefferson or is it Adam St... it's just out my window pretty much.. across from the Methodist Church down the road abit from Dodge dealer!!!

Sat. 13
1) BLOOMINGTON: downtown on the square comes alive with WGLT summer concert series.. starting at 2 ish for food, dance in front of the stage, music starts at 5pm: Nora Jean Bruso6:30: HOT CLUB DETROIT, and 8pm: R & B BOMBERS.more info at www.wglt.org
2) MACKINAW VALLEY VINEYARDS..offers BISCUITS N GRAVY BAND, 7-10:30, usually $5. *** a munchie table will be set up if you'd like to take something to share with the other attendees...BNP group will be there around 6pm for picnic, take something to share...
3) BLOOMINGTON: VFW usually offers a live band for $5. All welcome.. call them for more info 827-9733
4) SPRINGFIELD: Washington Street Jazz and Blues Festival, at the Old State Capital Plaza. 6 bands, 2 stages, music, food, fun..217-753-3519
5) MERNA: Merna Tap offers THE BYGONES ''ACOUSTIC'', 7-11PM, $?. small dance floor available...

Sun. 14
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright. Located above Stained Glass Designs in downtown 101 E. Mulberry St., 2-5pm, $5.309-452-2699 or 309-824-4007

+Ronnie Scott is NOT playing in Springfield, that was an error on my part, excuse me.

UPCOMING EVENTS...........UPCOMING EVENTS.....

Thurs. 18
1) PEORIA: Dancing Under the Stars with JIM MARKUM SWING BAND, Glen Oak Amphitheatre, 7-9 pm.

Fri 19
1) BLOOMINGTON: Slidin' into Summer.. with Beach Boys cover band: STILL SURFIN' and opening act: BOAT DRUNKS.. Summer concert series outside the Blm Center for Performing Arts. cash only, $10/advance, $15 at door. Space for dancing. Will be moved indoors if raining.
2) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers ballroom dancing with SECOND GENERATION SWING... see their website for more info
3) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10pm, $5, all welcome, 313 S. Main St.
4) BLOOMINGTON: Second Chance Prom at Chateau of Bloomington, $10. Call for more info: 309-834-4353
5) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom pre-selected ballroom dance, 8-11 theme: FATHER'S DAY
6) PEORIA: Peoria Center for Cont. Art should be having their SALSA/LATIN dance night.. check their website for more information.
7) BLOOMINGTON: VFW offers CAPTAIN RON BAND, 6-9PM, $5, all welcome.+++ I think some of us are starting here and then going off to The Eagles to end the night...

Sat. 20th
1) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers fun dancing with ROCK-A-BILLY SWING with Hudson and Hoo Doo Cats
2) TUSCOLA: CENTRAL IL FRIENDSHIP DANCE, Comm.Center, 7:30-10:30. all welcome, more info listed below...
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers teir ballroom dance with Viennese Waltz lesson. Pre-selected ballroom music. WIDE VARIETY.. great time to practice your dancing. More room and only $5!!!
4) MACKINAW VALLEY VINEYARDS: The winery offers COCO LOCO BAND.. 7-10:30, probably $5. Dancing on concrete. No outside beverages allowed... buy food and drinks on site... see their website for more info.

Sunday 21
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright, 2-5 pm, $5, 101 E. Mulberry St. located above STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. 309-824-4007

Thurs. 25
1) PEORIA: Dancing Under The Stars at Glenn Oak Amp, offers BILL HARDESTY BAND for your dancing pleasure... 7-9pm, FREE...

Fri. 26
1) BLOOMINGTON: Central IL Singles Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club. This is the Beach Party/Hippie WOODSTOCK CELEBRATION PARTY... come dressed very casual, cruisewear and anything from 60's.. especially your HIPPIE attire...
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers class demo night.. see their website for more info.
3) BLOOMINGTON; The Eagles CLub offers DOUBLE TROUBLE for a variety dance. 7-10, 313 S. Main St. ALL WELCOME, $5.

===================
More dance info available on
http://www.dancingdates.com-----------------

For ALL info including DancingDates go to a page of links by Dusten:
http://www.217dance.com
My blog:
http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com
TEACHERS ARE LISTED IN MY BLOG ... TAKE A CLASS... HAVE FUN...
WEBALBUMS:http://picasaweb.google.com/margielwalker
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
upload your photos to my dropbox and they will appear in the webalbum:
RetroRita58.floozyshoes@picasaweb.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPDATED... WEEKLY DANCE EVENTS.... call ahead or check local newspapers

MON
1) SPRINGFIELD: Central Illinois Blues Club offers live bands and dancing at THE ALAMO, 115 N. 5th St. 217-523-1455http://www.rivercityblues.com
WEDS

1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club. 7-10 , COUNTRY DANCE. See their website.www.pldc.org
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club SWING ETC, dance...7-9:30 with DJ Claude... see www.DancingDates.comfor more info
3) CHAMPAIGN: Bradley's II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave offers Country dance 9-2 ($5), /free line dance lessons 8-9 pm. 1906 W. Bradley Ave
4) PEKIN: Dragon Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave. 309-346-4123, LIVE BLUES BANDS and dancing allowed!!! $3, 7-10 +. http://www.rivercityblues.com

THURSDAYS
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL, Live ballroom type bands. 309-676-97252) CHAMPAIGN: CU Swing Club Dance. FREE. McKinley Foundation9:30-11:45pm,
http://cu-swing.org

FRIDAYS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers country dancing with DJ. See their website for info ( www.pldc.org)
2) SPRINGFIELD: Central IL Singles/Couples Dance. DJ or live music. VFW Post 755. 8:30-11:30. More info thru link below: SPECIAL WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.DancingDates.com They will have the bands listed.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers ballroom/latin dancing with DJ. See website for theme nights.
4) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie CLUB in DT (313 S. Main) offers dancing with DOUBLE TROUBLE. There is a $5 cover Call club for details: 309-829-1320. +++ a whole bunch of singles go there when we're not at Duke's singles dance.
So, when we're there, we take down tables for more room to dance.
5) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave, offers COUNTRY DANCING with DJ, $5. free line dance lessons 8-9, dance afterwards.
6) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers SALSA/LATIN DANCE first and third Friday of the month. contact : www.peoriacac.org

Also, FRIDAY/ SATURDAYS: bloomington/normal (contact the bars for info)1) SIX STRINGS, dt Blm, offers counrty on weekends and SALSA on Weds. (I think)2) RHINO'S brings back SALSA... 3) SLICK RICK'S has a variety of dance bands.4) VFW has a variety of dance bands, usually on Sat. nights.5) THE EAGLES CLUB, dt Blm usually offers DOUBLE TROUBLE ... 7-10.

SATURDAY
1) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II 1906 W. Bradley Ave. offers R & B Dance with DJ, 9--2. $5

SUNDAYS
1) PANA: Pla-Mor Dance Land. LIVE big bands 5-8, $8. Call for bands.+
2) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie 527 COUNTRY MUSIC live bands, acts change every week.... 313 S. Main St. TWICE A MONTH 309-829-1320 small fee.
+They need a better turnout to continue...
3) URBANA: Champaign Urbana Dance Club with Glenn H, at THE ROSE BOWL on Race, 1/2 block North of Main St. email: cudancetonight@yahoo.com Glenn for details: 778-4741
4) PEORIA: BRADLEY SWING DANCERS: info on PAL-Swing website+++ Peoria Area Lindy/Swing event
====================

PLACES THAT MIGHT HAVE DANCES THAT I DIDN'T LIST...
Details for most are found on www.DancingDates.com
1) LaSalle: Paramount Club, 2411 St. Vincent Ave.
2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd
3) EAST PEORIA: Fon du lac Park District, 201 Veterans Dr.
4) PEKIN: Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St
5) SPRINGFIELD: lime street cafe... 851 South Durkin. not much of a dance floor available but it can be done.
6) PEORIA: Body Fitness INC. DJ, Open ballroom/swing/latin dance on some Sat. or Fridays. Contact them for days:309-685-1950... now seen on www.DancingDates.com
7) LINCOLN: VFW offers a monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month- ballroom dance . Live bands 217-566-2129 or 732-6771
8) SPRINGFIELD: Maya Restaurant, 131 e. Jefferson ( 2nd and Jefferson) Salsa dancing 1st and 3rd Sat., 9-1, $3.217-541-6292
9) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace... an old MOOSE LODGE, dancing, lessons, karaokewww.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace 815-842-1590
10) LaSalle VFW has a dance open to the public every month...featuring The Gators for more info, call the answering machine for dates and times: 815-223-6665
Located at 24th and Donohue St. ---------------------------------------------

*** DANCE EVENTS information Mostly singles some ALL WELCOME................
==========================

WalkWay Singles Dance, Mattoon IL ,
5-9 pm, $10.Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor. www.walkwayinc.com
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH.. June 7th
Rita,

I noticed that you have 6 - 10 for the hours for the Walkway Singles Dance. I remember that awhile back you had it listed that a change was made to 5 - 9. I checked their website and it shows 6 - 10. I ended up calling Walkway and talked with Vinnie (?). He told me that the Sunday dance (next one is June 7th) is from 5 - 9.
I told him that the website was incorrect and also let him know that I would let you know the correct time for your newsletter.

He did say that the last 2 dances were well attended and that they had changed the time since quite a few people travel quite a distance for the dance
=========================================

SINGLES FOR ST.JUDE'S DANCE ... with Hostess Ms. Edie...
Ms. Edie's Oasis on Farmington Road, 309-783-3871Peoria IL... the Fourth Sunday of the month. NEXT DANCE is ???, 2009 , 6:30-10, $10. with DOUBLE TROUBLE...email: msedieoasis@gmail.com

==========================
CENTRAL ILLINOIS FRIENDSHIP DANCE :
located in Tuscola... !!!
Dances on the second Sat. night of every month in
2008: June 20th, NO JULY DANCE. Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 Everyone over 21 is welcome. Couples, singles, married.... 7:30-10:30 pm. no smoking, no alcohol. DJ Ted LustFree lessons 7:30-8pm with the Sweets. Food, Dancing, door prizes. Tuscola Community Building in Tuscola. 122 W. North Central Ave.$8 for singles/ $15 for couples.
217-346-2552

========================================================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES DANCES
( Singles/Social Dance is how I advertise it in The Pantagraph) Duke Babb's singles dances, PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND... see his website listed below. $10. 8-12. Light munchies. +he is looking for new locations/towns to have dances. If you have any ideas, please let him know.
DANCE DATES: ALL WELCOME TO COME...
June 12
June 26th: Hippie Dippie Luau Party... celebrate WOODSTOCK '69 AND BEACH PARTY FUN.... all in 1 night...Hippies very much allowed.. must wear clothes...

July 10
(RED/WHITE/BLUE NIGHT) &

July 24
+++ attendees are NOT required to dress or participate in the THEME dance nights. And DUKE plays a few tunes to fit the theme but DOES NOT overload us with the theme music.LOCATION: BLOOMINGTON, The New Lafayette CLub. 1602 S. Main St. ... bar. floating wood dance floor, 309-828-1212

(TUCKED BEHIND PARKING LOT OF "GROWING GROUNDS", entrance off Lafayette St. )http://dept-56.org/Lafayette
Duke's website with photos:
http://centralillinoissinglesdance.com, more info above.....http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
=============================================================

DECATUR: SINGLES DANCES need new co-ordinator... next dance ????, call... 217-422-3791 for info or if you'd like to take over this dance !!!

updates 5/26

2009-05-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL Illinois Dancing Singles
or Central Illinois Social Dance Scene
everything dance friendly+ http://www.217dance.com
++++++++++++++++++++++
*******************************

So, how was your long weekend... did it rain on you??? Sounds like the picnic at Eureka Lake was such a success that they'll do it all again on Labor Day... I planted some flowers in a little rain, but my helpers didn't mind since we were off to DQ afterwards...I had to make sure we had bug spray on because the skeeters were very hungry. If it would have stayed nice out, we were off to Weldon Springs or Clinton Lake Beach...

I guess I was the TREASURE in a very special TREASURE HUNT on Sat. night.. you guys are just lucky I didn't call the cops... you sure did scare me a bit. But I'd given Tom L. some landmarks to my house and so he and Harry thought they could find me... the xmas lights on the front porch kinda gave it away, huh??? ;-)
I do have a doorbell.. so try not to bang on the window and scare me!!! mwa mwa.------------------------

In loving memory of FRANKIE MANNING.. one of our founding fathers of The LINDY HOP... He and his partner were quite the team in the 30's and years after.
They did the first aerial move in 1935.. and dancing was never the same.He was a big part of the swing revival in the late 80's...
Even at 95, he was planning to party LAST WEEKEND in a celebration called FRANKIE FEST.. he was going to dance with 95 different ladies.
He passed away from pneumonia on April 27th. You can see and learn from Frankie by going to YouTube and just search his name...
He was ONE SWINGIN' COOL CAT....
=============================

WHO KNEW that Dancing with the Stars champ, HELIO, was an Indy 500 driver!!! Just kidding... CONGRATULATIONS to our Helio... another trophy for you!!!
++++++++++

Best deal in town goes to

NORMAL'S UNIVERSITY THEATERS close to ISU campus... the shows are now $1 !!! And on Tues., the popcorn/soda deal is $1 !!! ok, so they're showing second run movies: KNOWING, TAKEN, etc... but for $1 !!! I'm sure there are movies I will be attending because the summer is so busy... and I can catch them later and cheaper...++++++++++++++

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 13Jazz radio station WGLT presents their annual summer concert in downtown Bloomington... food starts around 2 ish, but music starts 5 pm til ???
Three great acts.. FREE..food and beer garden are available.
This event DOES compete with BISCUITS N GRAVY BAND being out at Mackinaw Valley Vineyards. The band will once again have a table set up so you can bring munchies to share with the rest of the fans...
See WGLT and Marckinaw V.V. websites for more info...

---------------------------
THIS WEEK.. THIS WEEK.. THIS WEEK...
++++=======+++++++++=========++++
Sat. 30th
1) MACKINAW: Mackinaw Valley Vineyards starts their summer concert/dance season with special events this weekend... check out their website.SISTER GROOVE and many other bands are out there playing. S.G. appears to be the 7-10 dance concert... $10 entry for this special weekend.
2) PEORIA: Body Fitness, Inc SWING NIGHT... http://www.fitndance.com
3) SPRINGFIELD.. Stella Blue offers SALSA. located above Sebastians Restaurant. 221 South 5th St. free lessons .. more info at www.dancingdates.com
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers rock-a-billy SWING with HUDSON AND THE HOO DOO CATS.. see their website for more info.
5) WILLOW SPRINGS: Willowbrook Ballroom offers " Greaser Night" /ROUTE 66 HOP with
DEL SOULS....
doors open at 7:30, $8, COSTUMES SUGGESTED.. awards for best female/male, etc... see website for more info.
6) BLOOMINGTON: VFW, 1006 E. Lincoln. no band info available, call them for more info...

Sun. 31
1) BLOOMINGTON: Miller Park Pavilion Ballroom Dance with Cathy Hempstead. Pre-selected ballroom music. 5-8, $7. Located inside the park. Last time we had a nice turnout and extra special munchies..+ THIS IS THE LAST DANCE that will be on the last Sunday of the month. She will have another dance on June 7th to start the dances on the FIRST Sunday of the month...
2) LINCOLN: VFW offers ballroom dance. Info available: www.dancingdates.com
3) WILLOW SPRINGS: Willowbrook Ballroom offers TEDDY LEE ORCH, 2-5pm, $14
more info thru their website...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

JUNE SPECIAL EVENTS...
June 3rd/Weds: see below for more info
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancing
http://www.rivercityblues.com for band details
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC. dance. Offering different workshops every week.. info at : http://www.dancingdates.com

Fri. June 5th
1) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers different live bands and then later Salsa dancing.www.peoriacac.org for more info.
2) BLOOMINGTON: Eagles Aerie 527, 313 S. Main, offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5,ALL WELCOME
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers pre-selected ballroom music, theme: Win Treat to Share, 8-11, more info: www.regentballroom.com
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers ballroom dancing with KNIGHTS OF SWING.see their website for more info.

Sat. June 6th.
1) RANTOUL: Hanging at the Hanger, 1940's style ballroom dance with SANDE HACKEL ORCH.fundraiser for Chanute Air Museum. 7-10pm, $10 at door. 217-586-2497
or www.dancingdates.com
2) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers swing dancing with MISS JUBILEE
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers another LOVE2DANCE PARTY. A wide variety of music is played. 7-11pm, $5. See their website: www.pldc.org
4) MACKINAW: Mackinaw Valley Vineyards offers JAMMSAMMICH, 7-10:30PM, MORE INFO on their website...
5) BLOOMINGTON: VFW usually offers a live band, no information available.

Sun. June 7th
1) BLOOMINGTON: Miller Park Pavilion Ballroom Dance with Cathy Hempstead, 5-8pm, $7, pre-selected ballroom tempos, light munchies.. dress lightly!!!
2) MATTOON: Walkway Singles Dance, 6-10pm, more info listed below...
+++++++++==========

Tues 9th
1) Peoria: GLENN MILLER... live at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. 7pm.Tickets atall Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. The Ballroom will be cabaret seating, with tables and a large dance floor for an authentic big-band atmosphere.
-------------------

Weds 10: see below for more info
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancing
http://www.rivercityblues.com for band details
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC. dance. Offering different workshops every week.. info at : http://www.dancingdates.com

Fri. 12
1) BLOOMINGTON: Central Illinois Singles Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club, all welcome, more info listed below
2) BLOOMINGTON: Eagles Aerie Club offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5, all welcome ...313 S. Main St.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, MOJITO SPECIAL, 8-11pm. pre-selected ballroom music, all welcome
4) ST. LOIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers ballroom dancing with AMBASSADORS OF SWING. more info on their website

Sat. 13
1) BLOOMINGTON: downtown on the square comes alive with WGLT summer concert series.. starting at 2 ish for food, music starts at
5pm: Nora Jean Bruso
6:30: HOT CLUB DETROIT, and
8pm: R & B BOMBERS.more info at wglt.org
2) MACKINAW VALLEY VINEYARDS..offers BISCUITS N GRAVY BAND, 7-10:30, usually $5. *** a munchie table will be set up if you'd like to take something to share with the other attendees...
3) BLOOMINGTON: VFW usually offers a live band for $5. All welcome.. call them for more info

Sun. 14
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright. Located above Stained Glass Designs in downtown 101 E. Mulberry St., 2-5pm, $5.
309-452-2699 or 309-824-4007
==============

For ALL info including DancingDates go to a page of links by Dusten:
http://www.217dance.com
My blog: http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com
TEACHERS ARE LISTED IN MY BLOG ... TAKE A CLASS... HAVE FUN...

WEBALBUMS:http://picasaweb.google.com/margielwalker
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

upload your photos to my dropbox and they will appear in the webalbum:
RetroRita58.floozyshoes@picasaweb.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPDATED... WEEKLY DANCE EVENTS.... call ahead or check local newspapers

MON
1) SPRINGFIELD: Central Illinois Blues Club offers live bands and dancing at THE ALAMO, 115 N. 5th St. 217-523-1455
http://www.rivercityblues.com

WEDS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club. 7-10 , COUNTRY DANCE. See their website.www.pldc.org
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club SWING ETC, dance...7-9:30 with DJ Claude... see www.DancingDates.comfor more info
3) CHAMPAIGN: Bradley's II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave offers Country dance 9-2 ($5), /free line dance lessons 8-9 pm. 1906 W. Bradley Ave
4) PEKIN: Dragon Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave. 309-346-4123, LIVE BLUES BANDS and dancing allowed!!! $3, 7-10 +. http://www.rivercityblues.com

THURSDAYS
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL, Live ballroom type bands. 309-676-9725
2) CHAMPAIGN: CU Swing Club Dance. FREE. McKinley Foundation
9:30-11:45pm, http://cu-swing.org

FRIDAYS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers country dancing with DJ. See their website for info ( www.pldc.org)
2) SPRINGFIELD: Central IL Singles/Couples Dance. DJ or live music. VFW Post 755. 8:30-11:30. More info thru link below: SPECIAL WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.DancingDates.com They will have the bands listed.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers ballroom/latin dancing with DJ. See website for theme nights.
4) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie CLUB in DT (313 S. Main) offers dancing with DOUBLE TROUBLE. There is a $5 cover Call club for details: 309-829-1320. +++ a whole bunch of singles go there when we're not at Duke's singles dance. So, when we're there, we take down tables for more room to dance.
5) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave, offers COUNTRY DANCING with DJ, $5. free line dance lessons 8-9, dance afterwards.
6) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers SALSA/LATIN DANCE first and third Friday of the month. contact : www.peoriacac.org

Also, FRIDAY/ SATURDAYS: bloomington/normal (contact the bars for info)1) SIX STRINGS, dt Blm, offers counrty on weekends and SALSA on Weds. (I think)2) RHINO'S brings back SALSA... 3) SLICK RICK'S has a variety of dance bands.4) VFW has a variety of dance bands, usually on Sat. nights.5) THE EAGLES CLUB, dt Blm usually offers DOUBLE TROUBLE ... 7-10.

SATURDAY
1) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II 1906 W. Bradley Ave. offers R & B Dance with DJ, 9--2. $5

SUNDAYS
1) PANA: Pla-Mor Dance Land. LIVE big bands 5-8, $8. Call for bands.
+2) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie 527
COUNTRY MUSIC live bands, acts change every week.... 313 S. Main St.
TWICE A MONTH 309-829-1320 small fee.
+They need a better turnout to continue...
3) URBANA: Champaign Urbana Dance Club with Glenn H, at THE ROSE BOWL on Race, 1/2 block North of Main St. email: cudancetonight@yahoo.com Glenn for details: 778-4741
4) PEORIA: BRADLEY SWING DANCERS: info on PAL-Swing website+++ Peoria Area Lindy/Swing event

===========
PLACES THAT MIGHT HAVE DANCES THAT I DIDN'T LIST...Details for most are found on www.DancingDates.com
1) LaSalle: Paramount Club, 2411 St. Vincent Ave.
2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd
3) EAST PEORIA: Fon du lac Park District, 201 Veterans Dr.
4) PEKIN: Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St
5) SPRINGFIELD: lime street cafe... 851 South Durkin. not much of a dance floor available but it can be done.
6) PEORIA: Body Fitness INC. DJ, Open ballroom/swing/latin dance on some Sat. or Fridays. Contact them for days:
309-685-1950... now seen on
www.DancingDates.com
7) LINCOLN: VFW offers a monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month- ballroom dance . Live bands 217-566-2129 or 732-6771
8) SPRINGFIELD: Maya Restaurant, 131 e. Jefferson ( 2nd and Jefferson) Salsa dancing 1st and 3rd Sat., 9-1, $3.217-541-6292
9) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace... an old MOOSE LODGE, dancing, lessons, karaoke
www.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace
815-842-1590
10) LaSalle VFW has a dance open to the public every month...featuring The Gators for more info, call the answering machine for dates and times: 815-223-6665
Located at 24th and Donohue St.
---------------------------------------------

*** DANCE EVENTS information
Mostly singles some ALL WELCOME................

=========================================
WalkWay Singles Dance,
Mattoon IL , 6-10 pm, $10.
Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor
IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor.
www.walkwayinc.com
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH.. June 7th
====================

SINGLES FOR ST.JUDE'S DANCE ... with Hostess Ms. Edie...
Ms. Edie's Oasis on Farmington Road, 309-783-3871
Peoria IL... the Fourth Sunday of the month. NEXT DANCE is ???, 2009 ,
6:30-10, $10. with DOUBLE TROUBLE...email: msedieoasis@gmail.com

==================
CENTRAL ILLINOIS FRIENDSHIP DANCE :
located in Tuscola... same group, new name !!!
Dances on the second Sat. night of every month in 2008: June 20th, NO JULY DANCE. Everyone over 21 is welcome. Couples, singles, married.... 7:30-10:30 pm. no smoking, no alcohol. DJ Ted LustFree lessons 7:30-8pm with the Sweets. Food, Dancing, door prizes. Tuscola Community Building in Tuscola. 122 W. North Central Ave.
$8 for singles/ $15 for couples.
217-346-2552
========================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES DANCES
( Singles/Social Dance is how I advertise it in The Pantagraph) Duke Babb's singles dances,
PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND... see his website listed below. $10. 8-12. Light munchies. +he is looking for new locations/towns to have dances. If you have any ideas, please let him know.

DANCE DATES:
ALL WELCOME TO COME...
June 12
June 26th: Hippie Dippie Luau Party... celebrate WOODSTOCK '69 AND BEACH PARTY FUN.... all in 1 night...Hippies very much allowed.. must wear clothes...

July 10 & July 24
+++ attendees are NOT required to dress or participate in the THEME dance nights. And DUKE plays a few tunes to fit the theme but DOES NOT overload us with the theme music.
LOCATION: BLOOMINGTON, The New Lafayette CLub. 1602 S. Main St. ... bar. floating wood dance floor, 309-828-1212
(TUCKED BEHIND PARKING LOT OF "GROWING GROUNDS", entrance off Lafayette St. )http://dept-56.org/Lafayette
Duke's website with photos:
http://centralillinoissinglesdance.com, more info above.....
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

=============================================================
DECATUR: SINGLES DANCES need new co-ordinator... next dance ????, call... 217-422-3791 for info or if you'd like to take over this dance !!!

updates 5/20 HAPPY HOLIDAYS...

2009-05-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES
or Central Illinois Social Dance Scene...
everything dance friendly+ http://www.217dance.com/

++++++++++++++++++++++++
*********************************
Well, that was an interesting weekend...
On Friday, I headed home right after work so I wouldn't be driving thru the storms and so I could drive in daylight and see all the water on the road around Heyworth... so, I spent the night watching the FARRAH STORY..

Sat., I headed to the Prairie Land Dance Club's ballroom dance and lesson with Cathy Hempstead. For ballroom dancers.. this is an EXCELLENT chance to practice what you've learned. The room is kept cool, the volume is just fine, and there aren't a lot of people to crowd the floor. That's the bad part. I'm sure the club would LOVE to see the crowd double... so check it out.. I really had a great time!!!

Sun., off to Peoria to meet with my sis, shop, eat and see ANGELS AND DEMONS...I liked the movie.. lots of twists.. and I fell for the most obvious one!!! duh!!!Watching the previews, we made a list of movies we want to see...
1) The new one with hunky Ryan Reynolds and some chick named Sandra!
2) The new one with hunky heart-throb Gerard Butler with some chick from Grey's Anatomy... 3) The new one with hunky heart-throb gangster dude, Johnny... Mr. Depp to you!!!
++++++++++++++++++++=

As I have been promoting, there's a big gathering of all people at the
Eureka Lake Pavilion on Monday. There's a big singles (non-dancing) group that is a part of this event and they have a real nice website and a more info on this event: http://www.meetup.com/Peoria-Singles/calendar/10271471/

Sounds like a group from the BNP went last year and everyone had a great time. It's not just for singles.. so hopefully the weather will hold out and you can have a ton of fun...
=====================

DANCING WITH THE STARS...
well, I blame Tony and Cheryl for choreographing exactly what the judges don't like in a freestyle dance, too much hip hop and too many flips and dips... not enough dancing. So, during the freestyle, I could see where Shawn just might pull in front and take the trophy and that's what she did... I loved it that they were just as surprised as anything.
They even said so on the morning news, they thought Gilles would win...
(and he should have!!!)
CONGRATULATIONS to Mark for fun routine and to Shawn for growing and letting loose and winning...
-----------------------------

AMERICAN IDOL... Congrats to Kris...
the clean cut nice guy... altho I'm more likely to buy Adam's first CD..
I liked his style!!! And his funky way of remaking some of my old favs
.....--------------------------

I guess that's all for now.. have a great weekend, try not to go broke with the new high gas prices... I know it's got me down in the dumps.

THIS WEEKS' EVENTS... THIS WEEKS' EVENTS...

Wed. 20th: see below for more info
1) PEKIN: The Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancing.
Different band every week, check out their website:
http://www.rivercityblues.com/
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC dance. Now offering different workshops every week. See the lineup on
http://www.dancingdates.com/

Thurs. 21st.SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE returns!!!!

Friday 22
1) BLOOMINGTON: Central IL Singles Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club, see info listed below.. NO THEME...
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie Club, 313 S. Main., offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5. all welcome..
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom 2 for 1 Wine Special., 8-11.http://www.regentballroom.com/
4) BLOOMINGTON: VFW offers TIMOTHY P. (an oldie) $10, big night to celebrate Veterans... they get in free... call VFW for more info 1006 E. Lincoln ...

Sat. 23
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND BEGINS... SUMMER ISN'T FAR OFF... OR IS IT..
1) EAST PEORIA: Fondulac Park District offers Jim Parks and Starlighters, 7-10pm, located at 201 Veterans Dr. more info: http://www.dancingdates.com/
2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club offers Danny Blakey, 7:30-10:30, ALL WELCOME, more info thru http://www.dancingdates.com/ click on Howard Adams..
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers workshop, pot luck and open dance.
5-7 pm: 2 Step Workshops with DeWayne/Carolyn Crawford
7-7:30: Pot Luck Dinner, bring a dish to share
7:30- 10:30+ : Open dance.
ALL WELCOME.. $7 for non-members...

Sun. 24
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with BOB AND CHERYL LAMBERT. 101 E. Mulberry St. above Stained Glass Designs... 2-5, $5. 309-824-4007 or 309-452-2699they will be bringing some of their music collection..
SO ALL ARE WELCOME to start off the holiday weekend...
2) PEORIA: Singles For St. Jude's Dance, located at Ms. Edie's Oasis, 6:30-10 ish, more info listed below.. no Sat. dances at Ms. Edie's this month

Monday 25th.
FUN FOR ALL:Memorial Day Picnic
at Eureka Lake Pavilion on May 25th.
Eat at noon. Bring dish to share, no alcohol, they will supply plates, silverware and water.+ directions: off Rt. 117 at the light, turn on EUREKA LAKE ROAD...Bring CD's, kites, lawn games, etc...This is an event for EVERYONE... dancers, non-dancers, singles, married, dating, etc....
http://www.meetup.com/Peoria-Singles/calendar/10271471

UPCOMING EVENTS ... UPCOMING EVENTS...

Wed. 27, see below for more info
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancingDifferent bands every week... http://www.rivercityblues.com/
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC. dance.different workshops every week, the list is on : http://www.dancingdates.com/

Fri. 29
1) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie Club offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5. All welcome, 313 S. Main St.
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, CASUAL DRESS.. 8-11, http://www.regentballroom.com/

Sat. 30th
1) MACKINAW: Mackinaw Valley Vineyards starts their summer concert/dance season with special events this weekend... check out their website.
SISTER GROOVE and many other bands are out there playing. S.G. appears to be the 7-10 dance concert... $10 entry for this special weekend.
2) PEORIA: Body Fitness, Inc SWING NIGHT... http://www.fitndance.com/
3) SPRINGFIELD.. Stella Blue offers SALSA. located above Sebastians Restaurant. 221 South 5th St. free lessons .. more info at http://www.dancingdates.com/
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers rock-a-billy SWING with
HUDSON AND THE HOO DOO CATS.. see their website for more info.

Sun. 31
1) BLOOMINGTON: Miller Park Pavilion Ballroom Dance with Cathy Hempstead. Pre-selected ballroom music. 5-8, $7.
Located inside the park. Last time we had a nice turnout and extra special munchies..
+ THIS IS THE LAST DANCE that will be on the last Sunday of the month.
She will have another dance on June 7th to start the dances on the FIRST Sunday of the month...
2) LINCOLN: VFW offers ballroom dance. Info available: http://www.dancingdates.com/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

JUNE SPECIAL EVENTS...
June 3rd/Weds: see below for more info
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers live blues bands with dancing
http://www.rivercityblues.com/ for band details
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club offers SWING ETC. dance. Offering different workshops every week.. info at : http://www.dancingdates.com/

Fri. June 5th
1) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers different live bands and then later Salsa dancing.http://www.peoriacac.org/ for more info.
2) BLOOMINGTON: Eagles Aerie 527, 313 S. Main, offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5,ALL WELCOME
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers pre-selected ballroom music, theme: Win Treat to Share, 8-11, more info: http://www.regentballroom.com/
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers ballroom dancing with KNIGHTS OF SWING.
see their website for more info.

Sat. June 6th.
1) RANTOUL: Hanging at the Hanger, 1940's style ballroom dance with SANDE HACKEL ORCH.fundraiser for Chanute Air Museum. 7-10pm, $10 at door. 217-586-2497 or http://www.dancingdates.com/
2) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers swing dancing with MISS JUBILEE
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers another
LOVE2DANCE PARTY. A wide variety of music is played.
See their website: http://www.pldc.org/

+++++++++==========

Tues 9th
1) Peoria: GLENN MILLER... live at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. 7pm.Tickets on sale to the general public on Monday, through the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.
The Ballroom will be cabaret seating, with tables and a large dance floor for an authentic big-band atmosphere.

-------------------
For ALL info including DancingDates go to a page of links by Dusten:
http://www.217dance.com/
My blog: http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com/
TEACHERS ARE LISTED IN MY BLOG ... TAKE A CLASS... HAVE FUN...

WEBALBUMS:
http://picasaweb.google.com/margielwalker
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
upload your photos to my dropbox and they will appear in the webalbum:
RetroRita58.floozyshoes@picasaweb.com
+++++++++++++++++

UPDATED... WEEKLY DANCE EVENTS.... call ahead or check local newspapers

MON
1) SPRINGFIELD: Central Illinois Blues Club
offers live bands and dancing at THE ALAMO, 115 N. 5th St.
217-523-1455
http://www.rivercityblues.com/

WEDS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club. 7-10 , COUNTRY DANCE. See their website.
http://www.pldc.org/
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club SWING ETC, dance...7-9:30 with DJ Claude... see http://www.dancingdates.com/
for more info
3) CHAMPAIGN: Bradley's II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave offers Country dance 9-2 ($5), /free line dance lessons 8-9 pm. 1906 W. Bradley Ave
4) PEKIN: Dragon Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave. 309-346-4123, LIVE BLUES BANDS and dancing allowed!!! $3, 7-10 +. http://www.rivercityblues.com/

THURSDAYS
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL, Live ballroom type bands. 309-676-9725
2) CHAMPAIGN: CU Swing Club Dance. FREE. McKinley Foundation
9:30-11:45pm,
http://cu-swing.org/

FRIDAYS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers country dancing with DJ. See their website for info ( www.pldc.org)
2) SPRINGFIELD: Central IL Singles/Couples Dance. DJ or live music. VFW Post 755. 8:30-11:30.

More info thru link below:
SPECIAL WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: http://www.dancingdates.com/
They will have the bands listed.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers ballroom/latin dancing with DJ. See website for theme nights.
4) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie CLUB in DT (313 S. Main) offers dancing with DOUBLE TROUBLE. There is a $5 cover Call club for details: 309-829-1320. +++ a whole bunch of singles go there when we're not at Duke's singles dance. So, when we're there, we take down tables for more room to dance.
5) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave, offers COUNTRY DANCING with DJ, $5. free line dance lessons 8-9, dance afterwards.
6) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers SALSA/LATIN DANCE first and third Friday of the month. contact : http://www.peoriacac.org/

Also, FRIDAY/ SATURDAYS: bloomington/normal (contact the bars for info)
1) SIX STRINGS, dt Blm, offers counrty on weekends and SALSA on Weds. (I think)2) RHINO'S brings back SALSA...
3) SLICK RICK'S has a variety of dance bands.
4) VFW has a variety of dance bands, usually on Sat. nights.
5) THE EAGLES CLUB, dt Blm usually offers DOUBLE TROUBLE ... 7-10.

SATURDAY
1) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II 1906 W. Bradley Ave. offers R & B Dance with DJ, 9--2. $5

SUNDAYS
1) PANA: Pla-Mor Dance Land. LIVE big bands 5-8, $8. Call for bands.+
2) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie 527 COUNTRY MUSIC live bands, acts change every week.... 313 S. Main St. TWICE A MONTH 309-829-1320 small fee.
+They need a better turnout to continue...
3) URBANA: Champaign Urbana Dance Club with Glenn H, at THE ROSE BOWL on Race, 1/2 block North of Main St. email: http://webmailb.juno.com/webmail/new/8?folder=dances&msgNum=000022k0:0018R3M600001aXd&block=1&msgNature=all&msgStatus=all&count=1216605813&content=central# Glenn for details: 778-4741

4) PEORIA: BRADLEY SWING DANCERS: info on PAL-Swing website

+++ Peoria Area Lindy/Swing event

===============================
PLACES THAT MIGHT HAVE DANCES THAT I DIDN'T LIST...Details for most are found on http://www.dancingdates.com/

1) LaSalle: Paramount Club, 2411 St. Vincent Ave
.2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd
3) EAST PEORIA: Fon du lac Park District, 201 Veterans Dr.
4) PEKIN: Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St
5) SPRINGFIELD: lime street cafe... 851 South Durkin. not much of a dance floor available but it can be done. THIS MIGHT BE CANCELED....
6) PEORIA: Body Fitness INC. DJ, Open ballroom/swing/latin dance on some Sat. or Fridays. Contact them for days:
309-685-1950... now seen on http://www.dancingdates.com/
7) LINCOLN: VFW offers a monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month- ballroom dance . Live bands 217-566-2129 or 732-6771
8) SPRINGFIELD: Maya Restaurant, 131 e. Jefferson ( 2nd and Jefferson) Salsa dancing 1st and 3rd Sat., 9-1, $3.217-541-6292
9) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace... an old MOOSE LODGE, dancing, lessons, karaoke
www.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace
815-842-1590
10) LaSalle VFW has a dance open to the public every month...featuring The Gators for more info, call the answering machine for dates and times: 815-223-6665
Located at 24th and Donohue St.
---------------------------------------------

*** DANCE EVENTS information Mostly singles some ALL WELCOME...............

====================
WalkWay Singles Dance,
Mattoon IL , 6-10 pm, $10.
Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor.
http://www.walkwayinc.com/
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH...MAY 3rd
=====================

SINGLES FOR ST.JUDE'S DANCE ... with Hostess Ms. Edie...
Ms. Edie's Oasis on Farmington Road, 309-783-3871
Peoria IL... the Fourth Sunday of the month.
NEXT DANCE is May 24, 2009 , 6:30-10, $10. with DOUBLE TROUBLE...email: http://webmailb.juno.com/webmail/new/8?folder=Inbox&msgNum=00003^00:0019mhjJ00000Q^a&block=1&msgNature=all&msgStatus=all&count=1238624955&content=central#

==============
CENTRAL ILLINOIS FRIENDSHIP DANCE :
located in Tuscola... same group, new name !!!
Dances on the second Sat. night of every month in 2008: June 20th, NO JULY DANCE.
Everyone over 21 is welcome. Couples, singles, married.... 7:30-10:30 pm. no smoking, no alcohol. DJ Ted LustFree lessons 7:30-8pm with the Sweets. Food, Dancing, door prizes.
Tuscola Community Building in Tuscola. 122 W. North Central Ave.$8 for singles/ $15 for couples.
217-346-2552
===================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES DANCES
( Singles/Social Dance is how I advertise it in The Pantagraph) Duke Babb's singles dances, PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND... see his website listed below. $10. 8-12. Light munchies. +he is looking for new locations/towns to have dances. If you have any ideas, please let him know.

DANCE DATES: ALL WELCOME TO COME...
May 22
June 12
June 26th: Hippie Dippie Luau Party... celebrate WOODSTOCK '69 AND BEACH PARTY FUN.... all in 1 night...Hippies very much allowed.. must wear clothes...

+++ attendees are NOT required to dress or participate in the THEME dance nights. And DUKE plays a few tunes to fit the theme but DOES NOT overload us with the theme music.
LOCATION:
BLOOMINGTON, The New Lafayette CLub. 1602 S. Main St. ... bar. floating wood dance floor, 309-828-1212
(TUCKED BEHIND PARKING LOT OF "GROWING GROUNDS", entrance off Lafayette St. )

http://dept-56.org/Lafayette
Duke's website with photos:
http://centralillinoissinglesdance.com/,
more info above.....
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances

http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

===============================
DECATUR: SINGLES DANCES need new co-ordinator... next dance ????, call... 217-422-3791 for info or if you'd like to take over this dance !!!

newest updates 5/12

2009-05-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES
or Central Illinois Social Dance Scene...
everything dance friendly+ http://www.217dance.com
=======================================

DANCING WITH THE STARS... the public got that one right...
it's gonna be a tough fight for that mirrored ball...
---------------
Has anyone called Jenna about the movie auditions going on in C-U?
I need to know the location for some of our favorite people, thanks.
rkb3878@msn.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>...
'' DO THE HUSTLE.... ''
The dance was just on CBS MORNING SHOW...The HUSTLE brought back partner dancing for the first time since the WWII swing generation. And... it's a totally AMERICAN MADE, like the swing.
And we're still doing it on the dance floor...
-------------------------
DUKE'S SECOND CHANCE PROM
was a big success...That's 1 theme that won't be going away. Over 140 showed up in all styles of clothing. Proving that you DO NOT have to dress up for this event. And those who did.. that's great too.I know many ladies borrowed outfits or went to second hand stores to find something new. And some wore dresses that they bought and wore once and got to wear again...and then SOME GUYS... had the perfect shirt... but had to go shopping for that perfect tie...
AWESOME...
Thanks to the BNP Decorating Crew for the special table settings and balloons to make it a special event.My photos should be on-line by the time you read this.
Share your photos by sending them to
RetroRita58.floozyshoes@picasaweb.com

*** next theme is a combination. I asked Duke if I could move the Hippie dance to be on the big beach party theme. It was Aug. of 1969 when tons of hippies made a place called BETHEL very popular and WOODSTOCK was born!!!
So, June 26th is the HIPPIE BEACH PARTY A GO-GO DANCE PARTY... hippie garb, bikinis, and very casual wear is the theme... so be cool, be groovy ... be there.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Yep, it was a STAR TREK weekend. it's a very fun, creative and funny movie. They got the actors just right and the guy who plays Dr. McCoy (BONES) was dead-on. I'll probably have to go see it again.
-----------------------

Some of us went to RHINO'S on Sat. night for Salsa dancing. With the college kids gone.. the downtown was pretty empty, and it was only 9 pm. And we had room to dance!!! We just needed more men. The music is authentic and LOUD.. the floor is wood, but tacky/worn, so wear shoes accordingly.CHECK IT OUT on Sat. nights...

----------------------------
Someone mentioned that The Eagles Aerie (Blm) was disappointed that apparently none of us showed up for their prom last Sat. night. They were hoping for most of the Double Trouble crowd to show up since the DJ plays line dances, country music, ballroom and oldies...Maybe we should think about supporting that dance next year.
---------------------

LOVE N' DANCING... opens in more cities this weekend. We're watching to see if it gets to small town USA over the next month. CARMIKE, AMC and REGAL Theaters seem to be getting it. OK, so the reviews aren't the best... but the reviewers who dance, at least liked most of it.

..............THIS WEEK... THIS WEEK... THIS Week...

Wed. 13
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com 7- 10 , SCOTT ELLISON on the schedule
2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC... with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.
More info and map on http://www.DancingDates.com

Thurs. 14
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL offers The Phaze for ballroom dancing. 7-10pm, $10, located at 4909 W. Farmington Road.

Fri. 15
1) BLOOMINGTON: Eagles Aerie offers DOUBLE TROUBLE at 313 S. Main St. dt, 7-10, $5, all welcome... very danceable music with line dancing during breaks...
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, ICE CREAM SOCIAL, 8-11. Pre-selected ballroom dance music.
3) PEORIA: Salsa/latin dance at Cont. Art Center. 8:30-12:30. see their website for more.www.peoriacac.org
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers ballroom dancing with GATEWAY CITY BIG BAND. See their website for more info.
5) WILLOW SPRINGS: WILLOWBROOK BALLROOM offers BIG SPRING SWING REUNION with Gina Knight Orc. 7:30/lesson, 8:30/dance, $12. See their website for more info, please...
6) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace offers CATTLE BANDITS. 902 W. Custer Ave.cdscrystalpalace@verizon.net, 815-842-1590
www.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace
7) BLOOMINGTON: FAT JACK'S in downtown offers Cartoon Physics around 10pm.FOR THE FINAL TIME TOGETHER... CARTOON PHYSICS is breaking up....

Sat. 16
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club ballroom dance with CATHY HEMPSTEAD giving a lesson on The Ballad.. some of us might be there to support her and to see what the ballroom dance is like. We hear GOOD THINGS...more info at www.pldc.org New lower prices. IF I remember correctly it's $5 for lessons and $5 for dance. but check the website.
2) HOPEDALE: Hopedale Wellness Center, NOSTALGICS, 6-9, more info on www.dancingdates.com
3) BLOOMINGTON: The VFW, 1006 E. Lincoln offers ???, 8-12, $5. I tried to call and noone answered either phone.. 829-1522 827-9733
4) BLOOMINGTON: Heartland Com. College Reunion with BISCUITS N GRAVY 4-6pm. Karen said they would be outside... check the HCC website for more info.

Sun. 17
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance, 2-5pm, $5, 101 E. Mulberry St. above Stained Glass Designs. 452-2699, 824-4007
2) STAUNTON: Crystal Ballroom offers dancing with favs SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY. 4-8pm. Contact ballroom for more info or check www.dancingdates.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPCOMING EVENTS ... UPCOMING.. EVENTS..
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WED 20th
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com 7- 10 , Deek Harp on the schedule
2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC... with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.More info and map on http://www.DancingDates.com

Thurs. 21st.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE returns!!!!

Friday 22
1) BLOOMINGTON: Central IL Singles Dance with DJ Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club, see info listed below.. NO THEME...
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie Club, 313 S. Main., offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5. all welcome..
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom 2 for 1 Wine Special., 8-11.www.regentballroom.com
4) bloomington: the VFW brings back TIMOTHY P., for a special night to honor veterans... 6-9 pm... price might be higher... huge crowd usually shows up for this.

Sat. 23
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND BEGINS... SUMMER ISN'T FAR OFF... OR IS IT..Nothing listed...

Sun. 24
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright. 101 E. Mulberry St. above Stained Glass Designs... 2-5, $5. 309-824-4007 or 309-452-2699
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie Club, 313 S. Main St. offers 4 1/2 Men Band and a potluck. Contact them for more info: 309-829-1320
3) PEORIA: Singles For St. Judes Dance at Ms. Edie's Oasis, 6:30-10pm, $10. More info listed below..

Wed. 27
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com 7- 10 , ??? on the schedule
2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC... with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.More info and map on http://www.DancingDates.com

Fri. 29
1) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie Club offers DOUBLE TROUBLE, 7-10, $5. All welcome, 313 S. Main St.
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, CASUAL DRESS.. 8-11, www.regentballroom.com
3) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY for ballroom at it's best... see website for more info.

Sat. 30th
1) MACKINAW: Mackinaw Valley Vineyards starts their summer concert/dance season with special events this weekend... check out their website.SISTER GROOVE and many other bands are out there playing. S.G. appears to be the 7-10 dance concert... $10 entry for this special weekend.
2) PEORIA: Body Fitness, Inc SWING NIGHT... www.fitndance.com bodyfit@sbcglobal.net
3) SPRINGFIELD.. Stella Blue offers SALSA. located above Sebastians Restaurant. 221 South 5th St. free lessons .. more info at www.dancingdates.com
4) ST. LOUIS: Casa Loma Ballroom offers up ROCK-A-BILLY SWING with HUDSON AND HOODOO CATS... MEOW.... more info on their website.

Sun. 31
1) BLOOMINGTON: Miller Park Pavilion Ballroom Dance with Cathy Hempstead. Pre-selected ballroom music. 5-8, $7. Located inside the park. Last time we had a nice turnout and extra special munchies..+ THIS IS THE LAST DANCE that will be on the last Sunday of the month. She will have another dance on June 7th to start the dances on the FIRST Sunday of the month...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JUNE SPECIAL EVENTS...HANGING AT THE HANGER:
June 6th. 1940's style ballroom dance with SANDE HACKEL ORCH.fundraiser for Chanute Air Museum. 7-10pm, $10 at door. 217-586-2497or www.dancingdates.com

+++++++++==========
GLENN MILLER... live at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. June 9th, 7pm.
I'm there !!!! Table 40, I think...
Tickets on sale to the general public through the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.
The Ballroom will be cabaret seating, with tables and a large dance floor for an authentic big-band atmosphere.
-------------------
For ALL info including DancingDates
go to a page of links by Dusten:
http://www.217dance.com
My blog:
http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com
TEACHERS ARE LISTED IN MY BLOG ... TAKE A CLASS... HAVE FUN...

WEBALBUMS:http://picasaweb.google.com/margielwalker
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

upload your photos to my dropbox and they will appear in the webalbum:
RetroRita58.floozyshoes@picasaweb.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPDATED... WEEKLY DANCE EVENTS....
call ahead or check local newspapers

MON
1) SPRINGFIELD: Central Illinois Blues Club offers live bands and dancing at THE ALAMO, 115 N. 5th St. 217-523-1455
http://www.rivercityblues.com

WEDS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club. 7-10 , COUNTRY DANCE. See their website. www.pldc.org
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club SWING ETC, dance...7-9:30 with DJ Claude... see www.DancingDates.comfor more info
3) CHAMPAIGN: Bradley's II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave offers Country dance 9-2 ($5), /free line dance lessons 8-9 pm. 1906 W. Bradley Ave
4) PEKIN: Dragon Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave. 309-346-4123, LIVE BLUES BANDS and dancing allowed!!! $3, 7-10 +. http://www.rivercityblues.com

THURSDAYS
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL, Live ballroom type bands. 309-676-9725
2) CHAMPAIGN: CU Swing Club Dance. FREE. McKinley Foundation
9:30-11:45pm,
http://cu-swing.org

FRIDAYS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers country dancing with DJ. See their website for info ( www.pldc.org)
2) SPRINGFIELD: Central IL Singles/Couples Dance. DJ or live music. VFW Post 755. 8:30-11:30. More info thru link below:
SPECIAL WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.DancingDates.com They will have the bands listed.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers ballroom/latin dancing with DJ. See website for theme nights.
4) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie CLUB in DT (313 S. Main) offers dancing with DOUBLE TROUBLE. There is a $5 cover Call club for details: 309-829-1320. +++ a whole bunch of singles go there when we're not at Duke's singles dance. So, when we're there, we take down tables for more room to dance.
5) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave, offers COUNTRY DANCING with DJ, $5. free line dance lessons 8-9, dance afterwards.
6) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers SALSA/LATIN DANCE first and third Friday of the month. contact : www.peoriacac.org

Also, FRIDAY/ SATURDAYS: bloomington/normal (contact the bars for info)
1) SIX STRINGS, dt Blm, offers counrty on weekends and SALSA on Weds. (I think)2) RHINO'S brings back SALSA...
3) SLICK RICK'S has a variety of dance bands.
4) VFW has a variety of dance bands, usually on Sat. nights.
5) THE EAGLES CLUB, dt Blm usually offers DOUBLE TROUBLE ... 7-10.

SATURDAY
1) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II 1906 W. Bradley Ave. offers R & B Dance with DJ, 9--2. $5

SUNDAYS
1) PANA: Pla-Mor Dance Land. LIVE big bands 5-8, $8. Call for bands.+
2) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie 527 COUNTRY MUSIC live bands, acts change every week.... 313 S. Main St. TWICE A MONTH 309-829-1320 small fee.
+They need a better turnout to continue...
3) URBANA: Champaign Urbana Dance Club with Glenn H, at THE ROSE BOWL on Race, 1/2 block North of Main St. email: cudancetonight@yahoo.com Glenn for details:
778-4741
4) PEORIA: BRADLEY SWING DANCERS: info on PAL-Swing website
+++ Peoria Area Lindy/Swing event
=======================

PLACES THAT MIGHT HAVE DANCES THAT I DIDN'T LIST...
Details for most are found on
www.DancingDates.com
1) LaSalle: Paramount Club, 2411 St. Vincent Ave.
2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd
3) EAST PEORIA: Fon du lac Park District, 201 Veterans Dr.4) PEKIN: Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St5) SPRINGFIELD: lime street cafe... 851 South Durkin. not much of a dance floor available but it can be done.
6) PEORIA: Body Fitness INC. DJ, Open ballroom/swing/latin dance on some Sat. or Fridays. Contact them for days:
309-685-1950... now seen on www.DancingDates.com
7) LINCOLN: VFW offers a monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month- ballroom dance . Live bands 217-566-2129 or 732-6771
8) SPRINGFIELD: Maya Restaurant, 131 e. Jefferson ( 2nd and Jefferson) Salsa dancing 1st and 3rd Sat., 9-1, $3.
217-541-6292
9) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace... an old MOOSE LODGE, dancing, lessons, karaoke
www.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace 815-842-1590
10) LaSalle VFW has a dance open to the public every month...featuring The Gators for more info, call the answering machine for dates and times: 815-223-6665
Located at 24th and Donohue St.
-
--------------------------------------------

*** DANCE EVENTS information Mostly singles some ALL WELCOME................

===============================
WalkWay Singles Dance, Mattoon IL ,
6-10 pm, $10.Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor.
www.walkwayinc.com
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH...MAY 3rd
============================

SINGLES FOR ST.JUDE'S DANCE ... with Hostess Ms. Edie...
Ms. Edie's Oasis on Farmington Road,
309-783-3871
Peoria IL... the Fourth Sunday of the month. NEXT DANCE is May 24th, 2009 , 6:30-10, $10. with DOUBLE TROUBLE...email: msedieoasis@gmail.com

=================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS FRIENDSHIP DANCE :
located in Tuscola... same group, new name !!!
Dances on the second Sat. night of every month in 2008:
May 9, June 20th, NO JULY DANCE.
Everyone over 21 is welcome. Couples, singles, married.... 7:30-10:30 pm. no smoking, no alcohol.
DJ Ted Lust
Free lessons 7:30-8pm with the Sweets.
Food, Dancing, door prizes. Tuscola Community Building in Tuscola. 122 W. North Central Ave.$8 for singles/ $15 for couples.
217-346-2552
=======================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES DANCES
( Singles/Social Dance is how I advertise it in The Pantagraph) Duke Babb's singles dances, PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND... see his website listed below. $10. 8-12. Light munchies. +he is looking for new locations/towns to have dances. If you have any ideas, please let him know.
DANCE DATES: ALL WELCOME TO COME...
May 22
June 12
June 26th: Hippie Dippie Luau Party... celebrate WOODSTOCK '69 AND BEACH PARTY FUN.... all in 1 night...
Hippies very much allowed.. must wear clothes...+++ attendees are NOT required to dress or participate in the THEME dance nights.

And DUKE plays a few tunes to fit the theme but DOES NOT overload us with the theme music.LOCATION: BLOOMINGTON, The New Lafayette CLub. 1602 S. Main St. ... bar. floating wood dance floor, 309-828-1212
(TUCKED BEHIND PARKING LOT OF "GROWING GROUNDS", entrance off Lafayette St. )http://dept-56.org/Lafayette

Duke's website with photos:
http://centralillinoissinglesdance.com,
more info above.....
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58

=============================================================
DECATUR: SINGLES DANCES need new co-ordinator... next dance ????,
call... 217-422-3791 for info or if you'd like to take over this dance !!!

Prom 09

2009-05-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick photo I took of some of the great people that came to the SECOND CHANCE PROM last Friday...

Up next is the Hippie Luau Party on June 22.. party on...

new info 4/28

2009-04-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES
or

Central Illinois Social Dance Scene...

everything dance friendly+ http://www.217dance.com/
=========================

'' We're off to the Wizard ... the wonderful WIZARD OF OZ.... ''

Wizard of OZ...Sat. 2nd and Sun. 3rd... 7pm...THE NORMAL THEATER
in uptown Normal...
See their website for more info and parking assistance...
So, if you don't see me out Sat. or Sunday...
you know where to find me...
Sincerely, Elphaba
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Oh NO they didna... did you notice that DANCING WITH THE STARS STOLE MY SIXTIES COSTUME IDEA!!!!Who first showed up in a black/white number to represent the early 60's!!! That would be ME ME ME...

I did color mine up a bit so I could wear my hot pink fluffy booties... but still !!!
I'm really really enjoying this season. I'm voting for Melissa, she needs another chance.Ty has really improved... but could he really win??? He was really funny when she put him thru the spray tan. Attaboy...

I think Shawn had better get going, or she'll be off before Chuck!!! And that wouldn't be right.
We need to get PUT A RING ON IT and WOMANIZER to Duke, who knew they were a Mambo or Tango!!!
.............................................

GLENN MILLER... live at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. June 9th, 7pm.I'm there !!!! Table 40, I think...
Tickets on sale to the general public on Monday, through the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.
The Ballroom will be cabaret seating, with tables and a large dance floor for an authentic big-band atmosphere.
+++++++++++++++
-------------------

WalkWay Singles Dance, Mattoon IL , 5-10 pm, $10. Sunday 3rd...Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor. More about slow dancing and meeting other singles than line dancing and ballroom dance music.http://www.walkwayinc.com/NOTE FROM JAN...
Hi all,

Please pass on the information that the WalkWay Singles/Couples Dance will be Sunday, May 3 from 5:00-9:00 PM. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! Hopefully, many dancers who have to get up early will be able to join us. I would appreciate it if you would let others know about the dance. We're expecting many new dancers!

Also, our current DJ, Ted Lust, will be having the Central IL Singles & Couples Dance at the Community 'Building in Tuscola (122 West North Central St) on Saturday, May 9th, 7:30-10:30.

Hope to see you on May 3rd. Keep on dancin'.

Jan
'''''"""""""""""""""''''''''''''''"""""""""""""
THIS WEEK.. THIS WEEK.. THIS WEEK..

APRIL
Weds 29
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com/ Pekin Bob and Blues Band will be playing 7- 10 2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC... with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.More info and map on http://www.dancingdates.com/

Thur. 30
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL offers the Jack Vieley Band, 7-10pm, 4909 W. Farmington Road. Mr. V plays strict ballroom dance tempos, because he's the best ballroom dancer in the area.. so he knows how to do it...More dance events available: http://www.dancingdates.com/

May Fri. 1 +++Hugh Jackman's new movie opens...
Johnny Depp's new movie opens in 2 months....

1) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, 217-359-5333, Cookies at Break. 8--11pm. $8.
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie, 313 S. Main St. DT Blm offers DOUBLE TROUBLE duo. 7-10pm, $5, ALL WELCOME...
3) PEORIA: SALSA/LATIN DANCE at Cont. Art Center. 8:30-12:30. See the Art Center website for more info... http://www.peoriacac.org/

Sat. May 2
1) BLOOMINGTON: The Bygones at SLICK RICK'S, 9-1
2) BLOOMINGTON: SISTER GROOVE at VFW 1006 E. Lincoln, 8-12, $5. One of our favorites...
3) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie land Dance Club offers LUV 2 DANCE PARTY, DJ, variety of music.Very affordable. No alcohol, but plenty of munchies and stuff to buy....More info on website: http://www.pldc.org/

May 3rd, Sunday
1) MATTOON: WalkWay Singles, 6-10, $10, largest wooden dance floor in the state... more about couple dancing, less line dancing. More info below
2) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace, new singles/social dance ALL WELCOME, 5:30-9:30, DJ Joe Butsic with Nancy W. Featuring mostly ballroom and swing. Bar will be open and light snacks provided.
DO NOT BRING IN YOUR OWN DRINKS!!!!
Cover will be $8.00 If any questions call. 815-844-3094902 W. Custer Ave., www.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace
3) WILLOW SPRINGS: WILLOWBROOK BALLROOM offers Teddy Lee Orch, 2-5, more info of their website.
4) URBANA: Dance Club Urbana offers potluck and dance. 6pm for food, 7-9 for dance.
202 S. Broadway in downtown. $6 or $5 if you bring a dish. More info:
www.DanceClubUrbana.com

UPCOMING EVENTS.....................

Wed. 6th
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com/
Barb Hamilton opens for Shannon Curfman, will be playing 7- 10
2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC... with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.More info and map on
http://www.dancingdates.com/

FRIDAY MAY 8TH
1) BLOOMINGTON: SECOND CHANCE PROM
Central IL Singles Dance...with Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club,
ALL WELCOME.
You DO NOT have to dress up or rent a tux or pay extra, it's just a chance for some to dress to the nines... I wore jeans last year... NO OBLIGATION to dress up!!! $10, 8-12.
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Club, Double Trouble, 7-10, $5. all welcome
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, MOTHER DAYS' DANCE, 8-11, see their website.

Sat. 9th
1) TUSCOLA: Central IL Friendship Dance... more info below. More about couple dancing and less line dancing and ballroom music Nice place... very popular ...
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie, 313 S. Main St. has OLD TIME PROM DANCE PARTY.... DJ Tom will spin the tunes... Wear old Prom attire if you want...7-11... ALL WELCOME TO ATTEND...

Sunday 10th
1) RIVERTON: Ronnie Scott Orch will be playing ballroom music at KC Hall, 335 South 4th Street, 4-7pm, $10. 309-452-4531 for more info
2) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright, 101 E. Mulberry St. downtown Blm, above Stained Glass Designs, 824-4007 or 452-2699

Wed. 13
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com/ 7- 10
2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC... with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.More info and map on http://www.dancingdates.com/

Sat. 16
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club ballroom dance with CATHY HEMPSTEAD giving a lesson on The Ballad.. we who know her are planning to carpool down there to support her and to see what the ballroom dance is like. We hear GOOD THINGS...more info at
http://www.pldc.org/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FUN FOR ALL:
Memorial Day Picnic at Eureka Lake Pavilion on May 25th.
Eat at noon. Bring dish to share, no alcohol, they will supply plates, silverware and water.+ directions: off Rt. 117 at the light,
turn on EUREKA LAKE ROAD...Bring CD's, kites, lawn games, etc...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For ALL info including DancingDates go to a page of links by Dusten:
http://www.217dance.com/

My blog: http://centralillinois4dancing.blogspot.com/
TEACHERS ARE LISTED IN MY BLOG ... TAKE A CLASS... HAVE FUN...

WEBALBUMS:
http://picasaweb.google.com/
margielwalker
http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
upload your photos to my dropbox and they will appear in the webalbum:
RetroRita58.floozyshoes@picasaweb.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPDATED... WEEKLY DANCE EVENTS.... call ahead or check local newspapers

MON
1) SPRINGFIELD: Central Illinois Blues Club offers live bands and dancing at THE ALAMO, 115 N. 5th St. 217-523-1455
http://www.rivercityblues.com/

TUES
1) BLOOMINGTON: ISU Swing Dance and lessons at Bowling/Billards ( north of the library), 8-8:30 free beginner EC swing class, dance after til ??? ALL WELCOME TO ATTEND!!!

WEDS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club. 7-10 , COUNTRY DANCE. See their website.http://www.pldc.org/
2) SPRINGFIELD: The Aqua Club SWING ETC, dance...7-9:30 with DJ Claude... see http://www.dancingdates.com/for more info
3) CHAMPAIGN: Bradley's II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave offers Country dance 9-2 ($5), /free line dance lessons 8-9 pm. 1906 W. Bradley Ave 4) PEKIN: Dragon Dome, 3401 Griffin Ave. 309-346-4123, LIVE BLUES BANDS and dancing allowed!!! $3, 7-10 +. http://www.rivercityblues.com/

THURSDAYS
1) PEORIA: ITOO SOCIAL HALL, Live ballroom type bands. 309-676-9725
2) CHAMPAIGN: CU Swing Club Dance. FREE. McKinley Foundation9:30-11:45pm, http://cu-swing.org/

FRIDAYS
1) ILLIOPOLIS: Prairie Land Dance Club offers country dancing with DJ. See their website for info ( www.pldc.org)
2) SPRINGFIELD: Central IL Singles/Couples Dance. DJ or live music. VFW Post 755. 8:30-11:30. More info thru link below: SPECIAL WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: http://www.dancingdates.com/ They will have the bands listed.
3) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers ballroom/latin dancing with DJ. See website for theme nights.
4) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie CLUB in DT (313 S. Main) offers dancing with DOUBLE TROUBLE. There is a $5 cover Call club for details: 309-829-1320.
+++ a whole bunch of singles go there when we're not at Duke's singles dance. So, when we're there, we take down tables for more room to dance.
5) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II at 1906 W. Bradley Ave, offers COUNTRY DANCING
with DJ, $5. free line dance lessons 8-9, dance afterwards.
6) PEORIA: Peoria Cont. Art Center offers SALSA/LATIN DANCE first and third Friday of the month. contact : http://www.peoriacac.org/

Also, FRIDAY/ SATURDAYS: bloomington/normal (contact the bars for info)
1) SIX STRINGS, dt Blm, offers counrty on weekends and SALSA on Weds. (I think)2) RHINO'S brings back SALSA...
3) SLICK RICK'S has a variety of dance bands.
4) VFW has a variety of dance bands, usually on Sat. nights.
5) THE EAGLES CLUB, dt Blm usually offers DOUBLE TROUBLE ... 7-10.

SATURDAY
1) CHAMPAIGN: BRADLEY'S II 1906 W. Bradley Ave. offers R & B Dance with DJ, 9--2. $5+
2) PEORIA: GOOD TEQUILA'S, LATIN dancing on the first, second, fourth Sat. of the month. 309-691-7822. http://www.goodtequilas.com/
+ this dance might be cancelled, nothing showing up on their calendar

SUNDAYS
1) PANA: Pla-Mor Dance Land. LIVE big bands 5-8, $8. Call for bands.+
2) BLOOMINGTON: EAGLES Aerie 527 COUNTRY MUSIC live bands, acts change every week.... 313 S. Main St. TWICE A MONTH 309-829-1320 small fee.
+They need a better turnout to continue...
3) URBANA: Champaign Urbana Dance Club with Glenn H, at THE ROSE BOWL on Race, 1/2 block North of Main St. email: http://webmailb.juno.com/webmail/new/8?folder=dances&msgNum=000022k0:0018R3M600001aXd&block=1&msgNature=all&msgStatus=all&count=1216605813&content=central# Glenn for details:
778-4741
4) PEORIA: BRADLEY SWING DANCERS: info on
PAL-Swing website+++ Peoria Area Lindy/Swing event

=============
PLACES THAT MIGHT HAVE DANCES THAT I DIDN'T LIST...
Details for most are found on

http://www.dancingdates.com/
1) LaSalle: Paramount Club, 2411 St. Vincent Ave.
2) KEWANEE: Flemish Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd
3) EAST PEORIA: Fon du lac Park District, 201 Veterans Dr.
4) PEKIN: Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St
5) SPRINGFIELD: lime street cafe... 851 South Durkin. not much of a dance floor available but it can be done.
6) PEORIA: Body Fitness INC. DJ, Open ballroom/swing/latin dance on some Sat. or Fridays. Contact them for days:309-685-1950... now seen on http://www.dancingdates.com/
7) LINCOLN: VFW offers a monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month- ballroom dance . Live bands 217-566-2129 or 732-6771
8) SPRINGFIELD: Maya Restaurant, 131 e. Jefferson ( 2nd and Jefferson) Salsa dancing 1st and 3rd Sat., 9-1, $3.217-541-6292
9) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace... an old MOOSE LODGE, dancing, lessons, karaokewww.myspace.com/cdscrystalpalace 815-842-1590
10) LaSalle VFW has a dance open to the public every month...featuring The Gators for more info, call the answering machine for dates and times: 815-223-6665
Located at 24th and Donohue St.
---------------------------------------------

*** DANCE EVENTS information Mostly singles some ALL WELCOME...............
====================================

WalkWay Singles Dance, Mattoon IL ,
$10.
Westside WALKWAY,
1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight. the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor. http://www.walkwayinc.com/
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH...MAY 3rd
=======================

SINGLES FOR ST.JUDE'S DANCE ... with Hostess Ms. Edie...

Ms. Edie's Oasis on Farmington Road, 309-783-3871Peoria IL... the Fourth Sunday of the month. NEXT DANCE is , 2009 , 6:30-10, $10. with DOUBLE TROUBLE...
email: http://webmailb.juno.com/webmail/new/8?folder=Inbox&msgNum=00003^00:0019mhjJ00000Q^a&block=1&msgNature=all&msgStatus=all&count=1238624955&content=central#

=====================================================================CENTRAL ILLINOIS FRIENDSHIP DANCE :
located in Tuscola... same group, new name !!!
Dances on the second Sat. night of every month in 2008: May 9, June 20th, NO JULY DANCE. Everyone over 21 is welcome. Couples, singles, married.... 7:30-10:30 pm. no smoking, no alcohol. DJ Ted LustFree lessons 7:30-8pm with the Sweets.
Food, Dancing, door prizes. Tuscola Community Building in Tuscola.
122 W. North Central Ave.
$8 for singles/ $15 for couples.217-346-2552

===================

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES DANCES ( Singles/Social Dance is how I advertise it in The Pantagraph) Duke Babb's singles dances, PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND... see his website listed below. $10. 8-12. Light munchies.
+he is looking for new locations/towns to have dances. If you have any ideas, please let him know.

DANCE DATES:
ALL WELCOME TO COME...
May 8 SECOND CHANCE PROM
May 22
June 12
June 26th: Hippie Dippie Luau Party... celebrate WOODSTOCK '69 AND BEACH PARTY FUN.... all in 1 night...Hippies very much allowed.. must wear clothes...

+++ attendees are NOT required to dress or participate in the THEME dance nights. And DUKE plays a few tunes to fit the theme but DOES NOT overload us with the theme music.

LOCATION: BLOOMINGTON, The New Lafayette CLub. 1602 S. Main St. ... bar. floating wood dance floor, 309-828-1212
(TUCKED BEHIND PARKING LOT OF "GROWING GROUNDS", entrance off Lafayette St. )
http://dept-56.org/Lafayette

Duke's website with photos:
http://centralillinoissinglesdance.com/, more info above....

http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances
http://picasaweb.google.com/RetroRita58
=======================

DECATUR: SINGLES DANCES need new co-ordinator... next dance ????, call... 217-422-3791 for info or if you'd like to take over this dance !!!

basic updates 4/20

2009-04-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES
or Central Illinois Social Dance Scene...
everything dance friendly+ http://www.217dance.com
go to previous entry for complete but older info, websites, webablums...

============

TWO WORDS...

GLENN MILLER... live at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. June 9th, 7pm.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, April 20, 2009, at 10 a.m through the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.
The Ballroom will be cabaret seating, with tables and a large dance floor for an authentic big-band atmosphere.

The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all the dance bandleaders back in the Swing era of the 1930s and '40s. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power at theaters, hotels and dance pavilions built and sustained the momentum of popularity.

The 19-member band continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements that keep exciting fans who have not heard them played for a while. Additionally, they are also playing more modern selections from the big-band style, carefully selecting only those newer tunes that lend themselves naturally to the Miller style and sound. The entire repertoire, which now exceeds 1,700 compositions, keeps the band popular with both young and old.
--------------------

WalkWay Singles Dance,
Mattoon IL ,
6-10 pm, $10.Westside WALKWAY, 1501 LakeLand Blvd. Rt. 45, SW Corner of Rudy and LakeLand Blvd. at Stoplight.
the largest wooden dance floor IN THE STATE...an old bowling alley... really nice floor.
www.walkwayinc.com
Dances: FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH...MAY 3rd

''''''''"""""""""""""""''''''''''''''""""""""""""""

BOAT DRUNKS... and 93.3 the Drive
bring winter to a halt and offer SPRING BREAK PARTY at THE PACKARD PLAZA in Peoria!!! Sat. April 25th. $12.
Advance tix at ONE WORLD CAFE on Main at University.
(if tickets available, you might be able to get tix at the door)
Lots of fun food and drinks...
933thedrive.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++
From Nancy:
Hi Rita,
CD's Crystal Palace is letting Joe Butsic & I do a singles/social dance on
Sun. May 3rd.
Time is 5:30 to 9:30. Featuring mostly ballroom and swing.
Bar will be open and light snacks provided.
Cover will be $8.00 Joe will DJ.
If any questions call me. 815-844-3094

Please spread the word so we can have a good turnout. I'd love for people to try out the new dance floor. Hope you can make it...
++++++++++++++++++++=====================

A SPECIAL EVENT AND INVITE FROM BODY FITNESS, INC.
I'm with Body Fitness. We're having a Dance Showcase on April 25th, where students and dance instructors perform different styles of dancing, and there is also open dancing for everyone between performances.

It's a dress up event, and there will be hors d'euvres and desserts served, and by the end of the night we will have a Raffle for a cash prize, it will be a fun night!

Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2009 Time: 7pm til midnight
Cost: $8 single / $12 couple / $5 students (with valid student ID)
Attire: Dress to impress!
Place: Body Fitness, 3020 N University, Peoria, IL 61604
For more info call 309-685-1950, email
bodyfit@sbcglobal.net, or go to
www.fitndance.com
=============

TIM GUNN...
last Wed. night at ISU Brown Ballroom with Tim Gunn was informative and magical and GREEN CHIC!!! He's like a superstar to that crowd.
ALL AGES and economic backgrounds were there mingling in the SOLD OUT crowd!!!
1400 fans and family showed up for support and enjoyment.Tim started by giving us his personal background. He was a nerd with few friends and he had a bad stutter. He HATED school, but just kept going and trying different things. It was his move to NYC in the '70s that made the biggest difference in his life...When BRAVO approached him for PROJECT RUNWAY, he didn't think he would be ON CAMERA so much as the mentor. He had no idea he would become such an important part of the show.

They broke up the actual fashion show into 2 parts, so there was a Q & A at the halfway part. He said the Chicago fashion is becoming more important than the LA fashion scene!!! REALLY.
At the end of the night they gave out awards to the designers. All items had to be either from organic fabrics or recycled items that have been redesigned.
(Like when I use Christmas tinsel instead of throwing into the garbage or the upcoming PROM dress which is re-styled )

SARAH HUNT-BOLLHORST, someone that Cyndee and I know and went to support WON THREE AWARDS!!!
Best Construction,
Best Single Garment and.. BEST COLLECTION!!!
EXCELLENT JOB TO SARAH and everyone involved!!!
***************************

Friday at The Eagles...
that was fun because Bob and Barb from my country dance days showed up!!!
So, Sue and I got to catch up with them.. and dance WITH BOB!!!
The funny part was that ROAD HOUSE with Patrick Swayze was on the big tv just over their shoulder. So, I kept getting distracted by shirtless, sweating Patrick!! I'd NEVER seen this movie, OH I KNEW ABOUT IT...

So, they were giving me the storyline while houses were blown up and fights at the bar and a strip scene... and SAM ELLIOTT... Patrick and Sam... the same movie... where was I?
I think we were getting the non-dancing crowd more involved in the movie.
Especially for the strip scene and when the bad guy gets shot SEVERAL times...
It was a fun and memorable night.

I sprained my lower back doing yard work on Sat. morning. I was even thinking of not going to the Biscuits n Gravy dance, but it was Ralph's b-day and there would be CAKE!!
So, I sat down with my friends and here comes Ralph's mom
BUT NO CAKE!!!
What's the deal?!?! I asked. She didn't know if he was coming...
I said he was... and she went and got a cake... YUM YUM...
Thanks Mrs. B...

THANKS TO ALLLLLLLL...............
SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY RALPH...
I HOPE I WAS ENTERTAINING ENOUGH FOR YOU...

Ralph is an Interior Designer, just like Ty..
and he's been working in Springfield.

from Ralph:
Hello to all,

I have been employed by Candlewood Suites, as a designer, with the new hotel that they recently opened in Springfield Illinois. They will be having a grand opening this coming Wed. (April 22nd) at 4:00 p.m. at the Springfield location. Please come join us in this celebration. While you are there, check out the stained glass window that I designed and the wall art that I designed and constructed.

What is their address, you ask?

2501 Sunrise Dr.
Springfield, IL

+++THANKS RALPH... (309-452-2594)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THIS WEEK.. THIS WEEK.. THIS WEEK..

APRIL
Weds 22
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com Damon Fowler Group will be playing 7- 10 2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.More info and map on http://www.DancingDates.com

Fri. 24
1) PONTIAC: CD'S CRYSTAL PALACE offers BUCK FEVER.. 8-12, 815-842-1590
2) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom offers pre-recorded ballroom dancing.TROPICAL NIGHT, WEAR ISLAND ATTIRE
3) BLOOMINGTON: Central IL Singles Dances with DJ Duke Babb, new lafayette club, 8-12, more info below.
4) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Club 313 S. Main offers DOUBLE TROUBLE 7-10, $5
5) INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Roof Ballroom: Senior Prom with Tony Barron Orch... CALL NOW!!! RSVP....

SAT. 25th
1) SPRINGFIELD: West Side Christian Church Singles offers a dance wth the theme: Night at Casablanca; 1942 French Morocco. $5. costumes not required but highly suggested.. Located at the Lake Spr. Christian Assembly. * they also offer swing lessons More info available on : www.DancingDates.com
2) BLOOMINGTON: VFW offers BYGONES for dancing 8-12.. $5. 1006 E. Lincoln.
3) PEORIA: Body Fitness, INC has special night of presentations and dancing. More info can be found above or on their website: http://www.fitndance.com
4) PEORIA: Ms. Edie's Oasis offers an OPEN DANCE with a DJ, 6:30-11:30, $10, more info listed below.
5) PEORIA: BOAT DRUNKS and 93.3 the DRIVE bring CABIN FEVER BREAK to new heights...Packard Plaza. FOOD/DRINKS... fun fun fun... sometimes this event sells out and tickets aren't available at the door. More info above...

Sun. 26
1) BLOOMINGTON: Wrainbow Ballroom Tea Dance with Wayne Wright, 2-5, $5. 101 E. Mulberry St. Downtown... above Stained Glass Designs.
2) BLOOMINGTON: Miller Park Ballroom Dance with Cathy Hempstead, 5-8, $7. Located inside Miller Park in the beautiful pavilion...
3) PEORIA: MS. Edie's Oasis offers SINGLES FOR ST. JUDE DANCE. 5406 W. Farmington Road, 657-6577. More info listed below. Usually a band will play.

Weds 29
1) PEKIN: Dragon Dome offers a live band and blues, swing, whatever you want dancing...http://www.rivercityblues.com Pekin Bob and Blues BAnd will be playing 7- 10 2) SPRINGFIELD: AQUA CLUB offers SWING,ETC... with DJ Claude, 7-9:30pm $4.More info and map on http://www.DancingDates.com
========================

UPCOMING EVENTS........
May 1
1) SAVOY: The Regent Ballroom, 217-359-5333, Cookies at Break. 8--11pm. $8.
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie, 313 S. Main St. DT Blm offers DOUBLE TROUBLE duo. 7-10pm, $5, ALL WELCOME...

Sat. May 2
1) BLOOMINGTON: The Bygones at SLICK RICK'S, 9-1
2) BLOOMINGTON: SISTER GROOVE at VFW 1006 E. Lincoln, 8-12, $5.

May 3rd, Sunday
1) MATTOON: WalkWay Singles, 6-10, $10, largest wooden dance floor in the state... more couple dancing, less line dancing. More info below
2) PONTIAC: CD's Crystal Palace, new ballroom/social dance ALL WELCOME, 5:30-9:30, DJ Joe. more info above.

FRIDAY MAY 8TH
1) BLOOMINGTON: SECOND CHANCE PROM
with Duke Babb, New Lafayette Club, ALL WELCOME. You DO NOT have to dress up or rent a tux or pay extra, it's just a chance for some to dress to the nines... I wore jeans last year...
NO OBLIGATION to dress up!!! $10, 8-12.

Sat. 9th
1) TUSCOLA: Central IL Friendship Dance... more info below. More about couple dancing and less line dancing. Nice place...
2) BLOOMINGTON: The Eagles Aerie, 313 S. Main St. has OLD TIME PROM DANCE PARTY.... DJ Tom will spin the tunes... Wear old Prom attire if you want...7-11... ALL WELCOME TO ATTEND...
""""++++++++"""""""+++++++++"""""""""

For ALL info including DancingDates go to a page of links by Dusten:
http://www.217dance.com

50's/ 60's Dance last month

2009-04-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hi - here's just a sampling of the costumed fun we have at The Lafayette Club for the annual Retro 50's/60's dance. More photos available on my Picasaweb album. The site is located in the previous blog entry...

May 8th is the SECOND CHANCE PROM... same place.. come join us...

Singles/Social Dance B/N updated

2008-05-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

HEY SINGLES AND OTHERWISE....

Duke Babb's Singles/Social Dances continue on the second and fourth Friday of the month at the New Lafayette Club in Bloomington.
http://www.centralillinoissinglesdance.com/

His dances are listed in the entry above with themes also listed.

8-12, $10,
light munchies...

tons of photos dealing with the fun we have is available on:

http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDances

Keep dancing and having fun...

Newest BLOG Springfield

2008-02-16T09:13:00.001-08:00

Hi there, want to introduce you to the newest blog from Springfield's Steve.
I'm a part of it... so if you don't see entries from me here... go to :

http://dancingdates.blogspot.com/

A lot of info is posted there or in their matching website:

http://www.dancingdates.com/

So, find your favorite dancing ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB and join us by sending your news to me or them:
Me: rkb3878@msn.com

Keep dancing

UPDATED: 2009 Dance Lessons in Central IL,

2006-01-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

WITH THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT OF PARTNER DANCING ALL OVER THE T.V.,
this post will deal with all the places that I know of that give ballroom, country, social, latin, nightclub, WCS, salsa, Argentine Tango lessons. Many might be unfamiliar with the differences, so please contact the studio or go to the websites or use the phone numbers. Dancing is great exercise for the body and for your social life. Cathy has most of the descriptions on her website.... so let's get going....

BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL:
Cathy Hempstead is the instructor thru her own dance studio (DANCE PARTNERS) or thru HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE and BLOOMINGTON PARKS/RECREATION. Cathy teaches just about everything listed above except Argentine Tango and country line dances. 309-661-0529 or email: cathy.dancepartners@att.net or http://www.dancepartners.info/
+++also gives classes in PONTIAC, IL

WRAINBOW BALLROOM : Wayne Wright is the instructor. He also teaches almost everything listed above and occasionally offers Argentine Tango. The studio is located on the top floor of 101 E. Mulberry in downtown Blm. A map is on his website: http://www.wrainbowballroom.com/ or 309-824-4007 or 309-452-2699
Cathy and Wayne both have ballroom dances on Sundays. Cathy has hers scheduled on the last Sunday of the month at Miller Park Pavilion, 5:00-8:00 pm, $7. Then Wayne schedules his dances at his studio on the other Sundays: 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2-5pm, $5. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. Check their websites for all the info.

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA:
DANCING ILLINI offers up most of the dances listed above and will usually have dances available. See their website for more info. http://www.uiuc.edu/ro/dancing
U OF I SWING SOCIETY Just as is sounds, they like to deal with only swing and lindy. They will also have dances on their website. http://www.cu-swing.org/
TANGO SOCIETY OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS this is the name of the website. And they offer all sorts of lessons and workshops dealing with just Argentine Tango. Many LINKS on this website. http://www.centraltango.com/ or contact Joe Grohens, another popular teacher... http://joegrohens.com/tango
SALSA CLASS... and only Salsa. contact the teachers: dizen@uiuc.edu or ysohn@prairienet.org
THE REFINERY a banquet hall and gym. Offers a lot of ballroom and Arg. Tango classes. 2302 W. John St. Chmp.
217-355-4444 or http://www.refineyourself.com/
DANCE CLUB URBANA... google the name or try http://www.217dance.com/ for most of the above info

SAVOY:
THE REGENT BALLROOM AND BANQUET CENTER; Located on the south end of Chambana and behind the Savoy movie theaters, this is probably the oldest and best known classroom. Owned by David Lin, they offer all the classes at one time or another in a year. See their website: http://www.regentballroom.com/ or 217-359-5333, Located at 1406 Regency Drive West.
+++also gives classes in
CLINTON, IL

PEORIA:
BODY FITNESS, INC.: This is basically a new place for dance lessons. They offer a small number of classes on a rotating schedule and offers an open ballroom dance. You need to get on their email list to find out more on a regular basis. 3020 N. University. 309-685-1950, email: bodyfit@sbcglobal.net

WEST COAST SWING ONLY CLASSES available thru Dave and Barb Vangunten 309-692-4514

JUST FOR FUN DANCE STUDIO: Ballroom and club dance classes with Hal and Stanzia Weatherford in Peoria. Call 309-685-3099 for more info

DECATUR:
Sam and Judy Wright offer classes thru RICHLAND COMM. COLLEGE...

ILLIOPOLIS:
PRAIRIE LAND DANCE CLUB: Offers country and ballroom lessons/workshops and dances. Lessons might be on site or in Decatur or Springfield. This is a beautiful place to dance. Built just for us!
contact thru website: http://www.pldc.org/
Kim Beachy and Tim Auclair are popular teachers for special WCS workshops.

SPRINGFIELD:
I don't know of any studios specifically, but I do know of 2 teachers. Pat Lyttaker can be found thru PLDC. org or 217-566-2498
And Elizabeth Cheney. She can be found thru the Springfield Social Dance Club or http://www.social-dance.org/
Also try this website: http://www.dancingdates.com/

MATTOON:
The YMCA offers ballroom classes with the teachers, Scott and Cheryl Sweet or Twosweets@mchsi.com

PARIS, IL:
YMCA offers classes with Bo and Pixie Boedecker. They also will teach private lessons or give lessons at a group party or city dance. 217-948-5371 or 217-549-4156

OK, that's all I've got for now. Check your yellow pages ( Dance Instruction) or local community college, parks and recreation departments and dance halls.

Dancing is taking off as people are becoming more exercise friendly and hearing how the "stars" are shedding pounds as they learn to dance. You don't have to know how to do the splits or bare your midriff or buy expensive shoes or gowns.... just show up and mingle and keep dancing...
REMEMBER, WE'RE FOOLS WHETHER WE DANCE OR NOT, SO WE MIGHT AS WELL DANCE.

CRYSTAL BALLROOM, STAUNTON IL

2005-07-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

This post is all about the CRYSTAL BALLROOM, located in Staunton IL.

They haven't sent me a new postcard, but you can reach them thru their number and email...

First the basics... Midwest's Smoothest 3,500 sq. ft. Dance Floor. Interstate 55, Exit 41. 20631 Staunton Road. PO BOX 276. Staunton...62088
618-635-3506 or email: crysball@midwest.net
Dances are Friday or Saturday 8pm-12, doors open at 7pm. Sunday dances are 4-8pm (except where noted) Doors open at 3pm.
Home of Staunton KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. No bottles or set-ups brought in.
Dress Accordingly.

That's it for them... Stay warm but keep dancing.
Rita

2009 updates: Public Invited Dances

2005-06-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hello dancers... January 2009 updates
I'm updating entries... so here's the new entry for Public Dances. There are many more to mention,

You really have to check out:
http://www.217dance.com
many many links and 1 in particular is DANCING DATES... Steve has a list and MORE links to dances in Peoria, LaSalle, Quad Cities, Iowa, Indiana.. you get the picture.
VERY COMPLETE.
Howard Adams has a very good list for the Peoria area and Steve has a very good list for the Springfield area.

Here are a few dances that either I attend or have heard great things about:

CENTRAL ILLINOIS SINGLES ( SOCIAL ) DANCES.. located at The New Lafayette Club in Bloomington, 1602 S. Main St. , Duke Babb has opened his singles dances to the pubic 21 and over. The second and fourth Friday of the month. 8-12, $10, light munchies. Theme dances seem to be very popular: Mardi Gras, Retro/Sock Hop. Check out his website for more info:
http://www.centralillinoissinglesdance.com/
photos available: http://picasaweb.google.com/CentralIllinoisSocialDance

THE EAGLES CLUB in downtown Bloomington is offering dances on Friday and Sunday nights 7-10. Friday night a lot of singles come in and practice ballroom dancing and line dancing. Sunday night is for country dancing. Located at 313 S. Main St.

MS. EDIE'S OASIS BAR AND DANCEHALL....located at 5406 W. Farmington Road in Peoria. No website for this location. Very easy to find. Mapquest did have the correct directions the last time I looked.
++ Her only dance for adults is the St. Jude's Singles Dance on the fourth Sunday of the month with DOUBLE TROUBLE. 6:30-10 pm, $10

ITOO SOCIAL HALL...located at 4909 W. Farmington Road, Peoria, just down the road from MS. Edie's.... no website available. 309-676-9725 7-10 pm. doors open at 6pm. Large hall with a nice floor. Never been there.
BALLROOM DANCE NIGHT is EVERY Thursday night with a different live band.

EAST PEORIA PARK DISTRICT...located at Fon du Lac Park Admin. Center 201 Veterans Drive East. 309-699-3923. 7-10pm, great dancefloor. Never been there.
Every SATURDAY. Supposedly the first and third Sat. is square dancing and the second and fourth is ballroom dancing. But I'm hearing other things and sometimes just plain misinformation is being given out over the phone.

HOPEDALE WELLNESS CENTER BALLROOM DANCE. The live band NOSTALGICS play every third SATURDAY. 6-9pm Turn at Casey's or stop in and ask where to go. ; )

SPRINGFIELDS CENTRAL IL COUPLES/SINGES DANCE. VFW Post 755. 8-11pm. Live bands. more info available thru:
http://www.dancingdates.com/

Illiopolis: PRAIRIE LAND DANCE CLUB. Built especially for dancing!!! This is a wonderful place for dancing and meeting up with friends around the area. No alcohol/smoking.
WEBSITE: http://www.pldc.org/
They offer country dancing, ballroom dancing and "An Evening of Club Dancing".
They might be changing their schedule, so GOOGLE their website for updates.

Savoy: THE REGENT BALLROOM... an excellent dance hall and place for any and all types of dance classes. 1406 Regency Drive West. 217-359-5333 8-11pm
WEBSITE: http://www.regentballroom.com/
the regular Ballroom dances are EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT. Every dance has a "theme", so check out the website.

Bloomington: MILLER PARK PAVILION BALLROOM DANCE, last Sunday of the month.
5-8pm, pre-recorded music by Cathy Hempstead (local teacher). Nice wood dancefloor. Music of every type: waltz, hustle, quickstep, chacha, etc.
WEBSITE: http://www.dancepartners.info/

Blm: WRAINBOW BALLROOM DANCE, downtown Blm 101 E. Mulberry St. 309-452-2699
ballroom, latin, nightclub. DJ is owner Wayne Wright (local teacher). Nice wood dancefloor.
Second, Third, Fourth Sundays of the month. 2-5pm.
WEBSITE: http://www.wrainbowballroom.com/

STAUNTON: Crystal Ballroom. Live bands usually on Sundays. 618-635-3506.
more info available thru: http://www.dancingdates.com/

PANA: Pla-Mor Danceland. Live bands usually on Sundays. 1300 EAST 3rd ST.
more info thru: http://www.dancingdates.com/

FOR THE ABSOLUTE BEST BALLROOM DANCING...check out these ballrooms
1. THE INDIANA ROOF, INDIANAPOLIS
2. the WILLOWBROOK BALLROOM, south Chicago area.
3. THE CASA LOMA BALLROOM, St. Louis
all have websites for you to check on. These are great big ballrooms and all but #3 is easy to find and worth the travel time.

Remember, we're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well DANCE....

R

Welcome KIDS....

2005-02-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

WELCOME KIDS...CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES

Most of you already know me as RetroRita. A longtime staple on the singles and ballroom dance scenes. I'm hoping that a "blog" will help quicken the time I spend writing to you weekly. This site will have all the old info on it at all times. So, keep this website available and you shouldn't have to wait for me to return your email questions.

LET'S START WITH HOW K.I.D.S. got started....

KIDS was created for single guys and gals across Central Illinois who really LOVE TO DANCE.
Pam, Sally and Susan decided that too many of the fellas in the group were getting hitched and the single ladies needed a way to meet more single guys. (So Pam wrote most of this in her first website, I've added comments to keep this description updated)

K.I.D.S. is a modified version of the acronym of Central Illinois Dancing Singles. ( we didn't want to be known as "that" syndrome that harms babies so we took the hard K sound).
And like kids...we love to have fun playing...especially on the dancefloor.

The MISSION was to make it easy for you to keep aware of dance action for singles by providing information about singles dances, dance classes, workshops, special dance events (like fundraisers) and places to go to dance to our favorite bands (whether country, oldies, swing, or ballroom).

We want lots of opportunities to meet and greet one another so we could expand the e-mail list of footloose friends. (But with the huge numbers of you wanting on the KIDS email newsletter, I'm often accused of being a "SPAMMER" and the letters don't get thru. Hence this blog.)
We want to encourage you to get out and have a good time with others who share your interest in moving to the beat. We want to encourage you to dance and dance with lots of different people and make some new friends. (I know I have!!!)

***I, Rita, took over the newsletter about 2 or more years ago. Trying my best to keep you posted on events. But I've been gearing this letter more to just general dance events because soooo many of the "marrieds" were bored and wanted to receive my newsletter, also. And there hasn't been anyone come forward, since Pam moved, to want to organize any type of SINGLES ONLY picnic or dinner or something. Pam tried for a huge picnic, but it rained and rained. She had some boating parties at Clinton Lake, only to have the Gov. RB close that area due to budget cuts...
I'm still hoping someone will try something , maybe just nametags for the dances??? Feedback is always accepted.

And that's about it for now. I'll start posting stuff and still sending out short info emails, but eventually, all the websites and OLD NEWS will be posted here.
And then maybe one of my ISP will open my account back up.

WELCOME AGAIN, KIDS...CENTRAL ILLINOIS DANCING SINGLES