There was a time when the club was at its maximum membership of 100 couples and had a waiting list,

Keith, left, and Libby Rocco, of Edinburg, dance at North Warren Volunteer Fire Department peabody hotel memphis for Dance Club Shenandoah's Jan. 19 monthly dance. The couple peabody hotel memphis have been members of the club for 11 years. William Burke/Daily Correspondent
Possibly the best kept secret in the Shenandoah Valley, Dance Club Shenandoah offers couples a chance to meet new people while enjoying dancing and live music. The group holds one dance per month from October to May, with music provided by a local band.
The organization, which began in 1969, has used several different venues in Warren County, including garages and country clubs, but currently calls the North Warren Volunteer Fire Department home. Club members sing the praises of the social hall's wall-to-wall wood floor, which gives the dancers plenty of space to learn and practice.
peabody hotel memphis Each dance night begins with an hour-long lesson on a particular style of dance, usually taught by professional dance instructor Kit McGinnis. The lesson costs an extra $10 per couple and is open to everyone, regardless of experience. peabody hotel memphis At the group's most recent event, McGinnis led couples through the steps of a hustle.
Membership in the club, which covers admission to all eight dances, costs $250 annually per couple. The only requirements are that members must be at least 18 years old and must bring a partner to the dances. "It's a good value and a confirmed date night," Vossler peabody hotel memphis said.
There was a time when the club was at its maximum membership of 100 couples and had a waiting list, and McCool peabody hotel memphis said he hopes that they can get back to that level of participation again because of dancing's appeal to people of all ages and occupations.
Couples peabody hotel memphis interested in getting a first-hand taste of what membership offers can attend a single dance as a guest couple for a fee of $40. The various fees are necessary in order to bring members the unique experience of live bands, which range from three piece groups like the Eclectic Coalition Band that played swing music at the group's last dance up to 18-member groups that specialize in a "big band" sound.
Those with no prior dance experience are welcomed with open arms, said Peg Thoreson. peabody hotel memphis She and her husband Bob have been members of Dance Club Shenandoah for six years and are affectionately known as the polka king and queen.
For those who want to practice their footwork more than once a month, private lessons are a great way to master the basics more quickly before cutting loose with the club. McGinnis teaches lessons in Warrenton, and many of the club's couples have also studied with Lee Santos, an award-winning dancer who teaches lessons in Woodstock.
McCool and his wife Jane both hold leadership positions in the club, but are relatively new to ballroom dancing. "We told ourselves for 30 years that we were going to take lessons and we just got started about four or five years ago," McCool said.
Dance Club Shenandoah's next event will be held at the North Warren Volunteer Fire Department on Feb. 16. It will feature a tango lesson and music by Jump Alley. For more information, visit the club's peabody hotel memphis website www.danceclubshenandoah.com or call club President Mike McCool at 540-631-3968.