My Holiday Wish
12.21.06

I have a wish. Before I share that wish, I need to tell you a story...
 
Eons ago (or so it seems), I went looking for something to do after playing football for most of my life. My honey at the time came up with the idea of taking up dancing and that's why so many of you have to put up with me now. We started dancing and got a few friends involved and as scary as it seemed to us, we ventured to dances around town to try to actually dance.
 
We started with private lessons and moved on to group lessons, meeting others just getting started in the dance world. One night, we were sitting on the far side of the room at Goldcoast. We were quite literally the only bodies on that side of the room. A couple of the other students from our group classes noticed us and came over and spent the evening dancing and enjoying our company. In my mind, that is when the Dance Maniacs were born.
 
The Dance Maniacs became a "club" that many of the other students in our group classes joined. We eventually took over Table 50 (now Table 40) at Goldcoast and Paul Holleran coined the phrase; "Table 50...seating for 50" We made room for anyone that wanted to join us and no one was turned away. The idea took on a life of its' own and soon grew to somewhere around 100 dancers in our email and phone lists.
 
Many of the Maniacs have become leaders in the community over the years in various arenas. Whether Ballroom, Salsa, Lindy, Hustle or West Coast Swing, I can name at least one, more likely many, who have been a part of the Maniac "movement." We still call out to the Maniac list on occasions with get- togethers at our favorite place to dance (That is Goldcoast for those who need to ask) and enjoy the accomplishments of everyone who has ever worn the title of Dance Maniac.
 
So...now I can come back to the beginning and reveal my wish. We have grown a new crop of dancers in this area. I would love nothing better than to see them come out to the dances that take place at Goldcoast and elsewhere around the area and get involved. A new generation of Maniacs that can hang together, learn together and play together. Another group that appreciates all dancers, no matter what their level and comes together to support and cheer each other on.
 
Beth and I will be there to help where we can, but you as new dancers need to talk with each other and meet to go out dancing together. It makes it much easier to go when you know you have others waiting for some dances with you. I see some of you sitting after classes or talking as you leave. Take the additional steps and plan a dance outing. It would be great to see old Maniacs meeting a new Maniacs crowd, swapping ideas and showing each other what a great night of dancing is all about.
 
So, come join us at Table 40 at Goldcoast. The Maniac movement lives on!