Many of the WorcesterScene viewers have asked the same question, “where can we go to dance?” While our first answers have been some of the great bars and clubs, we soon realized that they wanted the venues for ballroom, salsa, and the more organized dancing beyond the bump-and-grind that dominate many clubs in the area. With that said, each week we will compile some information that is obtained by those who know where the “in” spots are for this type of dance and entertainment. As always, our friends at Salsa Storm always have something exciting going on, be certain to check them out and tell them that WorcesterScene sent you!

Friday, February 5th

• Maironis Park - Dancing will be upstairs.  So this is a great opportunity to dance all those ballroom steps you have learned.  There will be a lesson in the Quickstep.
• Chicken Bone (Framingham) – Ernie and the Automatics will be playing.  Ernie of Ernie Boch fame will have you rocking.   So go to the Bone to Swing, Hustle and freestyle.
• Poise Style and Motion – This venue is similar to Maironis Park.  Get a lesson and dance for a couple of hours, ballroom only dancing.

Saturday, February 6th

• Maironis Park - This is singles night, but couples can attend.  Ozzie and his DJ will be spinning CDs.  You can practice whatever dance steps you know.
• Point Breeze (Webster) – Windfall will be playing.  They specialize in Classic Rock and some Blues.
• Gilreins – Jon Short is playing.  This will be mostly listening to good Blues.  Not sure if you will be able to dance to his music.
• Frohsinn Club – Preferred Sound will be turning up the amps in an effort to keep everyone awake.  I keep saying that this is a great spot for anyone who is new to ballroom, or just wants to polish some steps or routines.

Sunday, February 7th

• PNI Club, Worcester – Dancing is 4:30 to 8:30.  This will be ballroom dancing.
• Leominster Elks – There is no band this week.  Alan will be selecting music from his Swing CD collection.
• Salsa Storm (Worcester) -  You all know how to dance Salsa.  So head on over to see how you measure up.  Dancing is from 5:00 to 8:30.

Looking for a very well known band to dance to? Friday, February 12th Eight to the Bar will be playing at Twin Rivers Casino.

A special thanks to our contributor with his pulse on the dance scene!

Black ties, tuxedos, evening gowns, classic World War II military uniforms, a 22-piece Big Band & Swing orchestra, and a huge dance floor—that’ll get you “In The Mood”!

Nostalgia will set it—’big’ time—on February 13th, 2010, as the Odd Fellows Home celebrates Valentine’s Day in style.  The Moonlight Serenade Sweetheart Ball fundraiser will offer a posh evening full of WWII regalia, memories and tradition.  “This event really highlights the splendor and American sentiment of the Big Band era in the grandest of fashion,” said Clarence Plant, Secretary to the Board of Trustees at the non-profit Odd Fellows Home of Massachusetts on  Randolph Road.

The fundraiser is necessary to fund the replacement of 76 windows and installation of therapeutic equipment.

The Odd Fellows Home is a non-profit, 501 c (3), Skilled Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation facility designed to improve the lives of it’s residents.  Historically, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in North America (United States and Canada) became independent from the Order in England in 1834.  In modern times, the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs have been in the forefront of nearly all organizations in helping to make this world a better place in which to live. Odd Fellowship is a family fraternity with activities and programs for every member of the family. Former Worcester Mayor and talk show host, Jordan Levy, is master of ceremonies for Moonlight Serenade, and stressed the importance and uniqueness of this event to the community, “This is a really upscale, fun, and entertaining evening that helps a very worthwhile cause in the city of Worcester.  Besides, when do you get the chance to have a great meal and Jitterbug to a 22-piece orchestra? – not often.”  The event also boasts a wine tasting, silent auction, and ballroom dance exhibitions and lessons.

The Moonlight Serenade Sweetheart Ball takes place on Saturday, February 13th, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Worcester. Tax-deductible tickets are $125, and are available online at WorcesterMoonlightSerenade.com, or by calling Nancy Cyr at 508-853-6687.  Multi-course dinner included.  Corporate Sponsorships available.  Seats are limited.

Today it is not uncommon to hear people looking to dance. While many of the clubs and bars around Worcester feature a DJ for “bump and grind,” it can be difficult to find a location for some more traditional Ballroom and Latin dancing. From the Waltz, Zumba, Salsa and Merengue, the American Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio has been providing lessons for singles and couples alike. Their studio is located at Maironis Park on Lake Quinsigamond and evening lessons include a cash bar, lounge, refreshments, and a place to dance. Start the new year off right on January 2 at 8pm with Zumba dance lessons. This will be a good way to brush up on your skills before going to Gilreins.