THERE'S LYNN TABLE-HOPPING to greet friends, and Josephine sitting beside her husband she met here 5 years ago. At the bar, a guy who lumbers around like a carthorse is chatting up Linda whose technique and styling are superb. Next along is Freddy, immaculate in one of his many custom-tailored suits and, at the far end Vince, with 1 1/2 eyes on the TV sportscast and 1/2 an eye on the ladies.

The scene is Texas Station on Sunday afternoon, but it could be anywhere, any day. Regulars follow one another around town and, if there's a Special coming up, they convey this info as swiftly as bees pollinating flowers in the garden. One thing is certain, these convivial locals welcome newcomers. Yet some who don't venture to join them insist that "Las Vegas is all about lap dancing, belly dancing, and rock 'n' roll and there's nowhere decent to ballroom dance." Harken up! There's no more validity to that remark than to excuses I've been given:

TOO OLD?
Not necessarily so! The age group depends on starting time. Afternoon events are favored by retired, often widowed singles, and couples, aged 50 and up. Ditto for senior centers, anytime. Ages 35–88 patronize Big Band Balls and events beginning at 6, 7, 8, and 9:00 p.m. All ages enjoy Polkas, Viennese Waltzes and romantic standards played by the merry Dummkopfs from 2–5 on Sundays at the Skyline Hotel (658-5933). After 10:00 p.m. at any venue, youngsters kick up their heels.

DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WEAR?
Popular instructor Oscar West says, "There's no need to don a ball gown or tuxedo unless the invitation states 'formal' or 'black tie.' For simpler affairs, even during the afternoon, a woman might wear an elegant pantsuit, or dress that is mini, knee-length or long, wide-skirted and adorned with sequins. A man should wear long pants, a silk or ironed shirt, and preferably a jacket with or without a tie. Shoes with leather or suede soles are essential." Log on to the website of diamante.net to view the correct footwear.

CAN'T DANCE?
Stay in the line of dance, and don't bump into anybody, and your steps won't concern anyone beyond your partner. However, there are classes. In Sun City they run from 4–6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays ($5 per hour). You must live there to participate, but you needn't be a member of the Presbyterian Church to join lessons for singles from 7–9:00 p.m. on Sundays (donation). At Veterans Memorial Center, certified NADTA instructor, Kim Sakren, teaches on Mondays at 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Robert Judd (813-1471) is undoubtedly the best known independent instructor in Vegas. A master of dance and choreographer, he specializes in private lessons for mature singles or couples.

At Dance Vision's 2006 Mastery Camp (June 11–16th), over one hundred singles or couples will attend to perfect their steps and styling. That company's "Anyone Can Dance" DVDs are great for home study.

If you have problems with meeting new people or don't know what to say or do, send for a copy of How To Be A Whizzz At Dating Dozens, only $14.

A full list of ballroom dancing venues will appear in my next month's column. In the meantime we can all bless the late bandleader, Lamont Patterson, who left a Trust Fund to pay for one free Ball every year. "For that reason alone," says June Morris (pictured at right), whose footwork, styling, and attire are admired by all, "you have a heavenly purpose for dancing—because someone up there wishes you well."  

© 2006 Heather Latimer