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GOTTA DANCE? IT'S EASY TO GET INTO THE GROOVE

July 10, 2008 12:15 am

To the sound of the guitar played by Carlos Santana, Kevin Tisdale and Dana Martin glided and swayed hand-in-hand at Ticker's Coffee shop.

"It's really pretty to watch," Pablo Cuadrado, Ticker's owner said from behind the cashier's counter.

The pair flowed down a wooden aisle that divides the floor, first to the Latin guitar legend, then to a faster R&B riff.

The instructors at Smoother Than Smooth, a Fredericksburg outpost of Washington hand-dance group Smooth & EZ, were performing a demo as about 20 students prepped for their turns to get their moves on.

Tisdale's class meets Saturdays for beginners and intermediates.

"It's a very mature atmosphere," Tisdale said. "People just come in to have fun."

Hand dance--derived from flapper-era Harlem club inspiration--has a scene in Washington, which branched to parts of Maryland and Virginia, but was lacking in the Fredericksburg area until two years ago, Tisdale said.

He said he now has students in the area from all walks of life, including teachers, professors, government employees and ministers.

There are about 30 people per class on average, Tisdale guessed, though women make up the majority.

"Most classes are full of women and we're just fighting to find some men," Tisdale said. "But that's how it is throughout hand dancing."

A recent graduate of the program, Bill Brock, warned Tisdale beforehand that he had no rhythm.

"I sat on the wall my entire life watching everyone else twirl around," Brock said.

Brock was looking for an activity to share with his wife of 17 years, and Tisdale told him he could be taught technique.

"I stuck it out and had a blast. I wasn't about to quit," Brock said.

Brock, who said he lost 25 pounds during the classes, was glad to find something local that he and his wife could enjoy.

"I made a lot of really great friends and I found a network there I really enjoyed," he said.

Though the current 15-week session started June 7, Tisdale said he has allowed exceptions up to five weeks late. Sept. 13 is this year's last class.

SPICY FRED NIGHTS

"Attitude, c'mon!"

Abby Toro told her students to get lower and shake harder as the Latin rhythms intensified.

By the end of the lesson, they still hadn't had enough.

"You have seven minutes left," said a doorman.

"Play one of those long, eight minute songs," Toro told the deejay with a smile (and a little attitude).

Salsaholics of Fredericksburg rules the floor until 2 a.m., after the 9:30 p.m. lessons conclude.

"It's a big salsa family," Jeanette Reyes, club organizer said. The Brooklyn native moved to Fredericksburg in 2001 and could not shake her lust for the hobby she loves.

She started Salsabor Productions, which promotes Latin events in the Washington area.

"Salsa runs in my blood," she said. "I joke that I have salsa in my veins instead of blood."

Salsaholics meets at Paisano Italian Eatery on Southpoint Plaza (off U.S. 1). Reyes estimates that 50 people, at various experience stages, meet up for Salsa Fridays.

There is a new wooden dance floor at Paisano.

There is also, once again, a disproportionate divide among the sexes.

"Where are the men?" Reyes said.

The kind of fun these salsa-lovers have comes with a medical warning: "Check your heart rate!" Toro shouted between songs.

Reyes' assistant is fellow Puerto Rican New York transplant Pamela Lopez-Thorpe.

When Lopez-Thorpe moved here 17 years ago, there was a Latino presence missing, she said. She met Reyes a few years ago and has been part of the salsa scene since.

"I'm just looking for an opportunity to share salsa with people who love it, who want to learn more about it and people who have integrity when it comes to the music and the dance," Lopez-Thorpe said.

FROM PUMPED TO POISED

For a cool-down from the more cardio-infused forms of dance, there are several options in the area.

Strictly Ballroom Dancing in the city charges by the class (in the $10-$15 dollar range) for many of its sessions, from beginner to advanced.

Why go ballroom?

"Many singles and couples find that it has created more romance in their lives. Others rave about losing weight and all the health benefits," their site says.

To take on tradition, try the Fredericksburg Ballet Centre, which has classes for all levels, ages and skill level, including jazz, tap, modern and Irish brigade to name a few.

For information on the Rappahannock Twirlers Square and Round Dance Club, call 804/742-5011.

It's possible to salsa-hop on Friday nights. Popular lessons at Tickers last from 7 to 8 p.m. and cost $5.

There's an opportunity for free spectating at Aladin's Mediterranean Restaurant. Fridays at 11 p.m., a professional belly dancer seduces the late crowd as the place serves food and drinks until 2 a.m.

Still not satisfied? Check the Weekender calendar for listings and Fredericksburg.com's Star Directory for area dance establishments.

Shayna Jacobs: 540/374-5000 ext.5617
Email: sjacobs@freelancestar.com