Saturday Night Dance Club returns this fall
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A Saturday night dance club is returning to the Conewango Club this fall and with it, a history dating back over 50 years. The Saturday Night Dance Club has been held at the Conewango Club since 2005 with dinner, live music or DJ and dancing. Prior to that it was held at the Starbrick Fire Hall and before that the history is unclear.
No one seems to know exactly how long the dance club has existed, but after asking in Zip Young's community Facebook page, "Just Stuff," the general consensus dates back at least 50 years. In a Times Observer article dated in February 2001, the group had 60 members of all ages and skill levels. Former treasurer and chairperson Marilyn Miller recalled the club going on for years prior, including her own parents. It was shared that at the end of each dance, members would gather in a circle, hold hands and sing "God Bless America." A friendly social club to be part of, the Saturday Night Dance Club is a place for people to meet new friends and gather for an informal dance once a month.
Throughout the years, dances have included swing, foxtrot, cha cha, rhumba, hustle, waltz, polka, and tango. The Country two-step was recently added to the mix. Lessons or skills are not necessary to join-just a love of dancing.
Currently, about half the membership comes from Jamestown since many of the members took ballroom dance lessons from Guys and Dolls, now permanently closed. Recently, organizers have coordinated the option to take lessons offered at Taylor Made Dance Theatre (TMDT) in downtown Warren. Angela Morando-Taylor will teach a 10-week social dance class on Friday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning on September 11. Cost is $175 per couple and includes east coast swing, the hustle and rumba. Those that cannot attend lessons each week can opt for a dance flex card for just $150, giving the flexibility to attend when schedules allow even beyond the 10 week time frame for other classes held at the studio, making the cost $17.50 per couple.
Dances will be held on the third Saturday of each month at the Conewango Club, 201 Market St. in Warren, PA. Dates are: October 17, November 21, December 19, January 16, February 20, March 20, and April 17. Dancers should arrive between 6:00 and 6:15. Dinner will begin being served at 6:45 p.m. Dancing will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The cost for membership of the Saturday Night Dance Club is $160 due by September 30th. This fee covers payment for live music and DJs for the season. The cost of dinner is $60 per couple. Included in that amount is the entrée, sides, salad, rolls, coffee/tea, tax, and gratuity. Guests are always welcome, with a free first time visit for entry and the $60 dinner charge.
Guests are encouraged to join the dance club at any time during the season.
An email is sent out to members each month prior to the dance to track attendance and dinner choices. RSVP's are expected a week in advance if members will be attending or not, if they are bringing guests and what the dinner choices will be. Cancellations will be accepted up until the day before the dance. After that, members having reservations, who find they are unable to attend, will be expected to pay for dinners ordered. Members may pick up their dinners as take-out.
Each month, a new committee of members serves as hosts for the monthly dance. They decorate the tables and provide desserts for the break which happens halfway through the dancing. They greet the members and guests and collect any fees due.
Questions can be directed to Bonnie Pennucci (Secretary) 603-494-8992, email: bonniepennucci@icloud.com or Verlynn Kleppe (Treasurer) 814-730-9276, email: verlynnkleppe@gmail.com
Check out the Warren Saturday Night Dance Club's Facebook page for updates and additional information.