There’s no excuse not to dance in Fresno this new year

During the summer of 2018, I took my daughter to private lessons at Dianna’s Studio of Dance. While I was waiting, one of Dianna’s instructors invited me onto the dance floor, and within a few minutes, I was doing a Waltz box step. The next week, instead of sitting and waiting for my daughter, I joined the beginning group ballroom class — and I was hooked! I’ve been dancing at Dianna’s on Tuesdays and Fridays ever since. In just 18 months, I went from never “formally” dancing a day in my life to moving comfortably on a dance floor several nights a week — dancing the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, East and West Coast Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha, Cumbia, Bachata, and Bolero.

I’ve also been introduced to Fresno’s thriving dance community. You can find social dancing almost every night of the week, for free or only $5 or $10 — some of it with live music! These are not “club pick-up” environments; rather, it’s all about the love of dance, music, and fun.

If social dancing is one of your New Year’s resolutions, here are a few of my favorites for Fresno studios, instructors, and resources where you can build your social dance skills and your confidence. Come as a single or with a dance partner, and learn to lead or follow; it’s your choice:

Dianna’s Studio of Dance: Dianna’s is my ballroom dancing “home base,” and these folks have become my dance family. This studio has been around for 40 years, and Dianna has a team of experienced, professional instructors. On Tuesdays and Fridays, you can join a one-hour group lesson and then a “practice party” until 10 p.m. The cost is $10 to $15, and on Fridays, dinner is included. Dianna’s offers private lessons, group lessons for children and adults, and dance socials throughout the week. Visit the studio’s website or Facebook page for the monthly calendar.

Argentine Tango: You can learn this beautifully intimate dance from the incomparable Argentine Tango champion, Marcelo Molina. Follow Marcelo on Facebook or at www.marcelomolinatango.com for details about his classes and Milongas. Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education also offers Argentine Tango, taught by the brilliant Sasan Rahmatian. Register for Sunday evening classes from 6 to 8 p.m., for only $20 for the full semester. Learn beginning to advanced Argentine Tango techniques, and then practice what you’ve learned during the hour of social dancing. For details, follow Fresno State Tango on Facebook.

Studio 65 with Pete Swing and Carmen Perez: Sizzling Salsa Sundays start at 6 p.m. with a lesson from the fabulous team of Pete and Carmen; then it’s social dancing until 9 p.m. The second Sunday of the month, dance to the live music of Rumba 32, with the horns and drums right at the edge of the dance floor. For $5 to $10, you can have a blast on a Sunday night. Follow Studio 65-Let’s Dance for more information.

Ferny and Enchílate Salsa Team: Learn Salsa, Bachata, and the full array of Latin dances from the fabulous instructor and performer, Fernando “Ferny” Fleurs. Ferny directs the Enchílate Salsa Team, and they will be starting a new performance choreography in February 2020. Follow Ferny on Facebook or email at enchilatesalsateam@gmail.com for details.

Peter Netzly Dance Domination: Learn Swing, Latin, and ballroom dances fromPeter Netzly. He is a terrific dance instructor and performer with great charisma and flair. For a schedule of Peter’s classes, follow Dance Domination on social media.

Deborah McCoy Grown Folks Hip Hop: Deborah McCoy of McCoy Talent Gallery leads her Grown Folks Hip Hop classes on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings for only $5. You’ll be killin’ it every class, learning group choreography and having fun while getting a total body workout! Follow Deborah McCoy/McCoy Talent Gallery for details.

For event notifications about Fresno’s social dancing, free outdoor dancing at Campus Pointe and River Park, and last minute free dance “pop-ups,” follow these Facebook groups: 559 Salsa Bachata, Central California Big Band Society, Fresno Smooth Dancers, and Fresno Swing Dance Community.

Leaving Dianna’s after a Friday night of dancing, we often joke, “So we’ve wasted another perfectly good Friday night having the time of our lives!” Here’s to your health, happiness, and having the time of your life in 2020!

This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 11:30 AM.