Rochester Ballroom Dancing

2023 Dance Events

Here are scenes from the dances that Rochester Ballroom Dancing held in 2023.

Damascus Shrine Center - December 15, 2023
Band: The Gateswingers

In December, we had a Snowflake Soiree at the Damascus Center. Pat and Dennis Massa, Charlene Varnis, and Jim Vallino were the hosts. Pat made sure that each table was decorated for the season. We gave a try with The Gateswingers for the band. As one club member said, "Wow, a 19 piece band!" This made for a "full sound" which the majority of attendees thought was an acceptable loudness. Rarely does it happen that everyone is on the dance floor, but for a number of songs that was the case. Everyone was dancing and the tables were completely empty. The band came prepared with copies of their playlist. No other band has ever done that. The playlist included very danceable music though several of us questioned their categorization of some songs to be a particular dance style. It was also a treat to hear Tony Ferra singing his last gig with the band. Kurt Dejac and his crew from DeJac's Catering prepared a nice Holiday meal for us. 

Damascus Shrine Center - November 17, 2023
Band: Rhythm n' Shoes

We liked the Damascus Shrine Center when we were here in April so we went back again for the large dance floor. We enjoyed dancing to music played by Rhythm n' Shoes at the September Anniversary dance, we brought them back for this dance. Connie and Tom Lathrop, and Mary Ellen and Paul Hoderlein greeted everyone at the reception table.

Monroes at Ridgemont - October 26, 2023
Band: The Swooners

Anne and Arnie Gray were the hosts for the Oktoberfest dance. We had The Swooners playing the music for us. This was the first time that they were at one of our dances. Their vocals are great while the dance mix was a little too heavily weighted toward swing.

Mendon Golf Club - September 29, 2023 - 50th Anniversary Dance
Band: Rhythm n' Shoes

We are back after a break for the summer months. This was the 50th anniversary of the funding of the club originally called British-American Club. We wanted to do it up big. Attendees upped their game and got dressed to the nines. Hosts Theresa Leone and Gail & Tom Cometa greeted members and their guests. The hosts made sure that this was a special event. Everyone who attended got their picture taken just like had happened at the 25th Anniversary dance. The great dance band Rhythm n' Shoes played a good mix of dance tunes. During the break, commemorative wine glasses were given to the 9 members who had been with the club for over 25 years. To top off the evening, Rene and Kit did a showcase dance for us.

2023-09-29 Mendon GC 6.MP4
2023-09-29 Mendon GC 8.MP4

Mendon Golf Club - June 16, 2023
Band: Fred DiCesare and Dick O'Connor

The club dined and danced at Mendon for the second month in a row. The theme for the dance was Flag Day - add a little red, white, and blue, and the hosts made sure to carry the theme through to decorating each table. The hosts, Carol & Peter Fournia, and Pat & Dennis Massa, welcomed everyone as they arrived and got them pointed in the correct direction for their table. There were 48 members and guests socializing and dining. Two other guests joined when Fred DiCesare and Dick O'Connor started playing the dance music. They sure know how to make a playlist with a good mix of songs for ballroom dancing. We want to give a shutout to the members who donated 10 raffle gifts to be won.

Mendon Golf Club - May 19, 2023
Band: Fred DiCesare and Dick O'Connor

We were all thinking about spring flowers with floral arrangements on each table courtesy of our dance hosts Kathy and David Cooper, and Maryann McCabe and David Klein. Lucky dancers got to take the center pieces home. Fred DiCesare and Dick O'Connor played music for the 53 club members and guests who attended this dance.

Damascus Shrine Center - April 14, 2023
Band: Music Makers

This month saw us at a new venue--the Damascus Shrine Center in Webster. This location has one of the larger dance floors in the area and a deck that overlooks Irondequoit Bay. There were many positive comments from the over 50 members and guests who attended the dance. Our host Donna Hennessy, Al Campagna, and Rob Nuttall out did themselves in decorating for the Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White theme that they chose. Members enjoyed the view over Irondequoit Bay especially when there was a beautiful setting sun. The Music Makers put out the dance tunes for us. Some members even put on a couple of variety show acts for us.

Ridgemont County Club - March 16, 2023
Band: Nate Rawls Band

There was plenty of wearing of the Green for this dance on the day before St. Patrick's Day. Anne & Arnie Gray, and Carol & Peter Fournia greeted everyone at the reception table as our dance hosts and provided lots lucky green chocolates on the tables. There were thirty five dancers in attendance. Our raffle table got six donations from attendees. The Nate Rawls Band was back to provide the music for dancing.

Ridgemont County Club - February 17, 2023
Band: The Music Makers

Even though Valentine's Day was a few days ago, forty two club members and guests got dressed up in their Valentine's Day finest for dinner and dancing. We were lucky to be able to schedule a Friday dance at Ridgemont CC. Shara Peets, Al Gregorio, and Theresa and John Skorkey were the hosts for the dance and welcomed everyone as they came in. Again, Ridgemont stepped up the dinner servings with a carving table. We danced to music by The Music Makers. Thanks go out to the members who donated 11 raffle gifts.

Ridgemont County Club - January 19, 2023
Band: Nate Rawls Band

The Nate Rawls Band played our music mix for this first of 2023 dances. Pat & Dennis Massa and Annmarie & Dave Berner were the hosts wishing each attendee a Happy New Year of dancing. This was the first time that we had a dance on a Thursday evening something we are trying to contain the rising costs at the venues with the large dance floors that we like. There were 29 people who socialized and enjoyed a nice dinner. Many commented that the quality of the food was a notch above the usual. There were nine others who arrived for the dancing. This included an entourage of RIT students who showed their competitive flare on the dance floor.

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