Best Place To Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
STAFF PICK: The mere name, Desert Terrace Dance Club, brings a little thrill of over-civilization. Take a piece of desert and tame it with flagstone and trellises and climbing roses. Then take a coupla Patagonia-geared Deadheads, give them a few dance lessons, and suddenly they're Fred and Ginger, buoyed and bedecked in tulle and satin, with no shortage of patent leather. Under the careful tutelage of any of DTDC's seriously trained instructors (we liked a particular "Bob" for his quick wit and generous accommodation) you'll be amazed at what you can pick up. Within three lessons, and just in time for Dance Party night, all eight of us had acquired the skills to perform, better than haphazardly, the Waltz, East Coast Swing, Rhumba, a semblance of the Cha Cha and a few aspects of the Tango. Oh, and the Fox Trot! The Dance Party, as a cultural event alone, is worth the time and cost of lessons (which is very reasonable). Stay and enjoy Cheetos and party mints; everywhere you look, especially if you're still watching your feet, character shoes abound and skirts swirl. At break, the emcee takes the mike to announce regional dance-contest winners with much fanfare. Then it's "Moon River," but beware, boys and girls alike, the tempo may change and some dancing swell may sweep you out onto the floor and insist on teaching you a thing or two. Desert Terrace Dance Club is at 2713 N. Campbell Ave.
