A Great Start for Our Weekend Getaway

Temptation in the Lobby

We eased into our big band dance getaway on Saturday evening. After everyone had checked in, we met up in the lobby in preparation for our first night out. We quickly noticed two things. First, a lot of people were traveling with their dogs. From a comical pair of bullies to a giant (and super chill) St. Bernard, the lobby was rarely canine free. And second, a giant gingerbread house was being erected just beyond the elevator doors. It looked and smelled so wonderful that Lulu threatened to snag a piece to nibble on. I think they may have her picture in security now.

Once assembled, we proceeded to dinner at the SQZBX, a cozy little pizza joint/microbrewery inhabiting an old radio station. In keeping with the musical theme, the walls were decorated with parts from old musical instruments which we had fun identifying. The food was delicious, and Clara vouched for their house-made hard cider. Next time I’m going prepared to try a flight of their specialties.

SQBX

After dinner we ambled down the street to the Maxwell Blade Theater for a magic show. Due to my almost phobic worry about being late, we were super early. It was too cold to wander around and check out the shops, so we went inside and found our seats (second row center!) and chatted (or napped) as we waited. It was pretty chilly inside too, and the psychedelic projection of Blade’s face floating across the walls may be burned on our retinas forever, but all was redeemed when the show started. Maxwell Blade is a fabulous magician, and funny to boot.

Mystified Young Volunteers

Well-fed and well entertained, we headed back to the Arlington and turned in.

Slow Sunday Vibes

Sunday morning was all about pampering, starting with a hot (really hot) mineral water soak. Then it was into the sauna before being swaddled in hot wet towels (unexpectedly comforting) for a nice little rest. And finally, after every muscle was relaxed, it was time for a massage. Ahh! Bliss.

After all that pampering, it was time to fuel up. The Arlington’s dining room is elegantly appointed at any time, but in late November it also as serious Christmas vibes. Live music by Jacob Flores added to the relaxed mood as we tucked into the enormous brunch buffet. And there was truly something for everyone, from fluffy omelets to juicy prime rib, and of course, decadent desserts.

Miles of Food

A Poinsettia in Every Window

After brunch? The crew seemed pretty evenly split between napping and exploring the wooded trails behind the hotel.

Tripping the Light Fantastic

As 3:00 drew near, our merry band drifted into the Crystal Ballroom fully relaxed, properly fueled, and ready to dance. There were several regulars there already (warming up and catching up) and quite a few of them came by our table to chat and make us feel welcome.

Looking Good!

In preparation for the trip I’d made sure everyone reviewed foxtrot because that’s usually the bulk of what is played by a dance orchestra. Well not this time! There were a few of course, but also lots of rumbas, swings, and slow-lounges, as well as a nice sprinkling of other ballroom dances. Really, the Stardust Big Band is a dancer’s dream. Of course our folks took advantage of the lovely music and complemented it with great dancing.

The Smile Says it All

Hand Change Behind the Back

So Happy Together

Bustin’ a Move

There was one odd encounter that I can’t resist recounting. An older fellow stopped by our table while returning to his seat. Without acknowledging anyone else he said to Lulu, “Man are you gorgeous!” Then he glanced at Brandon, added, “Are you with him?”, and just walked away. After a beat of stunned silence, we all laughed (and teased Brandon a little), but sheesh! Brandon is handsome, smart, interesting, successful, and an all-around nice guy, so yes Mr. Hawaiian shirt, she is definitely with him!

Winding Down

After returning to our rooms briefly to change (back into pumpkins?), we reconvened once again and headed out with plans to dine at a restaurant overlooking Lake Hamilton. Alas it was not to be. Even though I had contacted them and been assured no reservation was necessary, they could not fit us in for at least an hour (near closing time), and we were not inclined to wait. It turned out fine though because this is an easygoing and resourceful group and we soon had a plan B. Props to Steve for finding Rolando’s, an Ecuadorian restaurant right across from our hotel. The ambiance was charming, the staff was welcoming, the food was fantastic, and of course, the company was delightful.

A Final Thought

Lulu and Brandon had been with us on our last trip to Hot Springs, so they knew what to expect, but this was Clara and Steve’s first trip with the studio. At one point during the dance I leaned over and asked Clara if it was what she’d expected, and with stars in her eyes she said, “Oh, it’s even more!” And that sums up our weekend perfectly.

We love offering free outdoor dance classes in downtown Memphis, and our 2022 community dance classes were no exception. Beautiful locations, great people, and plenty of fun – who could ask for more?

2022 Community Dance Classes in Downtown Memphis

Spring was all about swing, and boy did we have fun. It was a bit chilly for the first one in March, but the night was still wonderful with an enthusiastic group, a gorgeous sunset, and a marvelous light show from the bridge in the background. We’re not talking about April (don’t ask), but May was extra exciting. One of the participants asked Jesse to record he and his girlfriend dancing, but unbeknownst to anyone, what he was really trying to capture was a proposal! Yup, dropped down on one knee right in the middle of everything. Very romantic.

March | Fourth Bluff Park

May | Fourth Bluff Park

In the fall we decided to mix things up a bit, starting with cha cha in September. Hot night, hot dance, and hot dancers – fabulous. In October we went back to swing and had a big turnout with lots of energy. The music must have been good too, because even a passing dog walker started bopping along to it. In November we had two offerings to wrap up our 2022 community dance classes. First Wiseacre Brewery kindly hosted a swing class as part of the Fieldaze lineup of events. There were plenty of willing participants on the stage, and quite a few spectators enjoying the show. Some of them even joined in with a little encouragement. And of course the year wouldn’t be complete without at least one salsa class. Although we were originally planning to use Fourth Bluff Park as usual, a last-minute scheduling snafu shifted us to The River Garden. We got the word out though and had a huge turnout. Shout out to the early arrivals that helped move tables and chairs to make space. And although the park is beautiful and the string lights are quite magical, if there’s a next time we’ll definitely find out how to turn on the lights in the pavilion!

September | Fourth Bluff Park

October | Fourth Bluff Park

November | Wiseacre 

 November | The River Garden

On Friday, September 16, we staged our first show since before the pandemic, and it was fantastic!

This was everyone’s first show, and I don’t think they really knew what they were getting themselves into.

First up were Lulu and Brandon. Their sexy rumba to I Like You (A Happier Song) by Post Malone and Doja Cat really set the bar for the evening. Lulu’s family even got to come and cheer her on during her first performance. I’m not sure if that made them more or less nervous, but either way, they did a great job.

On deck next were Kayla and Brian with a flirty swing to Lizzo’s It’s About Damn Time. They both attended art school however, so they are pretty used to being in the spotlight and brought a lot of personality and flair to their number.

Colleen and John closed out the show beautifully with a challenging Viennese waltz to Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga. We had choreographed the first dance for their wedding, so technically it may not have been their first “show”. John said this was harder though, because at least at the wedding there was champagne.

Memphis doesn’t offer very many opportunities to hit the hardwood to a live orchestra, so we decided to organize a dance weekend in Hot Springs.

Saturday

A weekend away was just what the doctor ordered. Upon arrival at the Arlington, some of us hit the pool and some hit their pillows, but we all went into relaxation mode!

We kept that laid-back vibe going with dinner, drinks, and great conversation on the roof of the Waters Hotel. Not only was the food good, but it turned out to be an ideal place for everyone to get acquainted better.

After dinner we ambled down the street in search of music and dancing. Our intended destination turned out to be small and crowded, so on a tip from a passerby, we headed to Fat Jack’s. Jesse went in first and reported that there was live music. Turned out to be karaoke, but hey, we can dance to anything.

Sunday

There was time Sunday morning for folks to explore the park, historic bathhouses, and shops of downtown Hot Springs before we rendezvoused for brunch at the Arlington Hotel. So much food!

And finally, the main reason for our trip – the Stardust Big Band in the Crystal Ballroom. The orchestra was fabulous, and the other dancers were friendly and welcoming. Being their first time on a large floor filled with experienced dancers, there may have been a few fleeting looks of panic as our students slipped into the flow, but they soon got the hang of it and comported themselves admirably.

Humorous side note: At one point a fire siren started blaring, and for quite a while, the band continued to play. It was a very Titanic moment. Fortunately, it was a false alarm and we quickly got back to dancing.

So, our dance weekend in Hot Springs was a stellar success, and the only question I heard when we got back was, “Where are we going next?”