Ballroom Dance Club Kick-Off

With Free Dance Sat. Evening

About five years ago, Irene Rich wanted to have ballroom dancing at Tony's Gym, which she owns. She tried to find a teacher, even contacting the U. S. Amateur Ballroom Dance Association in Burlington.

She was told teachers were few and they had nobody to send down. So Irene just kept the idea in the back of her head.

About three months ago, however, John Miller walked into Tony's gym, a man with years of experience teaching ballroom dancing. Miller, who spent earlier years in Vermont in television, has taught dance with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Hollywood and was manager of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Dallas, and is a member of Dance Masters of America.

Right away, Rich made space available at Tony's Gym, and Miller started teaching several area couples lessons in swing, tango, and fox trot.

Eight weeks later he and his students want to spread the joy of dancing to others in the community. To that end Miller is holding a demonstration lesson and dance at Tony's Gym Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

Miller will teach cha cha the first hour and then will play disc jockey, so that all can practice what they have learned and other dances until 9 or 9:30, with refreshments included.

There is no fee for the lessons or the dance party, though donations will be taken for the instructor.

John Miller sees the party as the first attempt to start a Ballroom Dance Club that will offer special dances, with instruction, once a month.

"The Randolph Ballroom Dance Club welcomes both singles and couples," Miller said. "We invite you to walk in and dance out!" For information call 728-9332 or 728-2019.