Library isn’t as quiet on dance nights
Ballroom dancing conjures up images of fancy clothing, elaborate footwork, maybe a mask on a stick with some feathers, and of course, a reality TV show.
Those interested in test driving the masquerade lifestyle may do so for free.
For the past three years, the Mount Laurel Library has been converting its two meeting rooms into something not often found in such whisper-quiet reading areas — a ballroom. Joan Serpico, manager of special projects at the library, said the rooms are no-frills, but are large enough to accommodate about 140 dancers. Since the floors are already devoid of carpet, all that’s left to do is move some furniture to the perimeter.
Serpico said it was one of the library’s patrons who offered up the idea of holding dance lessons.
“I remember thinking the idea was crazy at the time,” Serpico said. “Why would people come to the library for ballroom dancing? But I thought we would give it a try.” In its first year, the program drew about 100 people to every session.
This summer, the sessions will be held Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. Diane Alcovich, from Dances by Diane, in Westville, will be instructing the mostly inexperienced ballroom dancers. She brings in a boom box, wears a wireless microphone and brings several of her outside dancing students to help with the lesson, Serpico said. Those students are usually men, as there are usually more women who come out to dance at the library.
“Most of the people who come have not danced before,” Serpico said. “They’re interested in ballroom dancing, just to see what it would be like, and they’re complete beginners. A few of them are skilled, and they find the library to be a good place to get some practice.”
The reason the dance classes took off so quickly: “Dancing with the Stars.” The crowds thinned out for the past two years, but still had strong attendance with about 50 people per session — much more manageable, Serpico said, adding Alcovich doesn’t mind how many people attend.
“[Alcovich] has turned out to be just great,” Serpico said. “She’s a wonderful teacher, works well with large and small groups, and is very clear with her instructions and makes it fun.”
On one occasion, 65 people showed up to learn how to dance, and because of a scheduling conflict, the meeting rooms were booked. Alcovich had to hold the lesson in a smaller room, and there were people spilling out into the library.
“She said, ‘You know, when you go dancing, you’re not going to leave just because it’s crowded. There are certain techniques to dancing in a crowded room, and we’re going to learn those tonight,’” Serpico said.
The lessons are fairly informal — some people come alone, women dance with women, and children dance with parents, and couples about to get married come to try it out.
No registration, dance experience, partner or money is required.
Serpico said she and her husband took the lessons during the last two years. Having a baby put a stop to that, though. Still, she said she enjoyed the lessons, even if she didn’t get any better.
“I have to say we didn’t get any better,” she said. “We’re terrible, but it’s a lot of fun. Being out, and meeting some new folks — it’s really great.”
Those interested in test driving the masquerade lifestyle may do so for free.
For the past three years, the Mount Laurel Library has been converting its two meeting rooms into something not often found in such whisper-quiet reading areas — a ballroom. Joan Serpico, manager of special projects at the library, said the rooms are no-frills, but are large enough to accommodate about 140 dancers. Since the floors are already devoid of carpet, all that’s left to do is move some furniture to the perimeter.
Serpico said it was one of the library’s patrons who offered up the idea of holding dance lessons.
“I remember thinking the idea was crazy at the time,” Serpico said. “Why would people come to the library for ballroom dancing? But I thought we would give it a try.” In its first year, the program drew about 100 people to every session.
This summer, the sessions will be held Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. Diane Alcovich, from Dances by Diane, in Westville, will be instructing the mostly inexperienced ballroom dancers. She brings in a boom box, wears a wireless microphone and brings several of her outside dancing students to help with the lesson, Serpico said. Those students are usually men, as there are usually more women who come out to dance at the library.
“Most of the people who come have not danced before,” Serpico said. “They’re interested in ballroom dancing, just to see what it would be like, and they’re complete beginners. A few of them are skilled, and they find the library to be a good place to get some practice.”
The reason the dance classes took off so quickly: “Dancing with the Stars.” The crowds thinned out for the past two years, but still had strong attendance with about 50 people per session — much more manageable, Serpico said, adding Alcovich doesn’t mind how many people attend.
“[Alcovich] has turned out to be just great,” Serpico said. “She’s a wonderful teacher, works well with large and small groups, and is very clear with her instructions and makes it fun.”
On one occasion, 65 people showed up to learn how to dance, and because of a scheduling conflict, the meeting rooms were booked. Alcovich had to hold the lesson in a smaller room, and there were people spilling out into the library.
“She said, ‘You know, when you go dancing, you’re not going to leave just because it’s crowded. There are certain techniques to dancing in a crowded room, and we’re going to learn those tonight,’” Serpico said.
The lessons are fairly informal — some people come alone, women dance with women, and children dance with parents, and couples about to get married come to try it out.
No registration, dance experience, partner or money is required.
Serpico said she and her husband took the lessons during the last two years. Having a baby put a stop to that, though. Still, she said she enjoyed the lessons, even if she didn’t get any better.
“I have to say we didn’t get any better,” she said. “We’re terrible, but it’s a lot of fun. Being out, and meeting some new folks — it’s really great.”
