I returned this past weekend from a bridal show at which the studio had a small booth reminded of the privilege to take part in this amazing hobby we all share called dancing.  It is a rare opportunity in our lives to do something that benefits not only the body, but enriches the soul, strengthens the mind and encourages and develops relationships.  We feel doubly fortunate at South Coast Dancesport that you have provided us the opportunity to be a part of your life.  In this October issue of The Coaster I want to highlight just one or two exciting events coming up soon.  It is hard to believe, but the Grand Pacific Ball is this weekend!!  Our annual Halloween Costume Practice Party is Friday night, October 29th and there’s quite a prize for the winner of our Costume Contest!  Our Fall Team Match will be held November 13th and we have some amazing coaches coming in over the next couple of weeks.

We have been planning the Grand Pacific Ball for well over a year and this inaugural non-profit event (benefiting the Free Wheelchair Mission) will be held on Avalon, in Catalina, in the Casino Ballroom on Saturday night, October 23rd.  With ticket reservations still coming in, you can purchase a last minute ticket or two and have a spontaneous weekend in Catalina!  Naturally, we have a large group of dancers from the Studio attending this exciting event and with three professionals from Dancing with the Stars confirmed as performers, a full orchestra playing live music, the largest dance floor in the world under our feet and a full dinner being served at this exclusive, black tie affair, it would be a shame if we missed you.  Click here to head to the Grand Pacific Ball website or here to go straight to the order form for whatever number of tickets you might need.  See you in Catalina!

Typically, we host one Practice Party per month at South Coast Dancesport.  Well, this month we have two.  Our Guest Party on the first of October was a smashing success, as more than a dozen new students were brought by friends to dance with us under our spinning mirror ball to great music.  Well, get ready, because next Friday, October 29th is our annual Halloween Practice Party.  Just take a look at some pictures from last year’s Party and you’ll get a sense for what to expect this year!  Here’s what we have in store: Ryan and Stephanie (have you seen their bios and pictures on our new ‘About’ page?) will be teaching The Thriller at 7 o’clock.  From then on we’ll be dancing the night away to terrifyingly fantastic music.  The best part: we will all be in costume!  You’re not required to wear a costume, but we will have a costume contest with a 5 Lesson Package on the line!  Can you match Bonnie Bauer’s human bag of Jelly Bellys? Or Ryan’s Bam-Bam costume? Or scare us as much as Mervyn Lawrie did last year with his zombie get-up?  We certainly hope so.  See you next Friday, October 29th, at 7 p.m.!

Watch our Calendar closely as Wendy Johnson is back in this Wednesday for more choreography and coaching as we prepare for our January 2011 Showcase.  Additionally, we are very excited to welcome David Hamilton, former US Smooth Champion and coach to the current US Champions, on Thursday, October 28th for a night of amazing teaching.  Contact your teacher right away if you’d like a lesson with either of these incredible experts.  Finally, just a quick reminder to mark your schedule for Saturday, November the 13th: it’s our next Team Match!  We’re holding it at South Coast Dancesport and even if you won’t be dancing, we want a lively cheering section to root for our participating students.

Our desire is that The Coaster will help you stay on top of all things dance related in your life. If you’d rather not receive this monthly newsletter or were mistakenly added to the list, please click the ‘unsubscribe’ link on the bottom of the page. But we hope you’ll stay subscribed and join us at any of the events listed above. See you on your next lesson! Have a great month dancing!