Do you love to dance or are you convinced you've got two left feet? Either way, Fred Behmardi and the teachers at the newly opened Elegance Ballroom have got you covered. Kingsgate and Lakeridge residents had the pleasure of attending a great event at the new dance studio on the South Loop next to Rudy's BBQ and Chickie's Tasty Treats. They are open Monday - Friday and offer something for everyone. Private lessons, couple lessons, group lessons, whatever you want to do or need to learn. Then on Thursday evenings Elegance Ballroom hosts dance parties where patrons get to experience and put to use all their new skills on a crowded dance floor.

"Dancing is great exercise," says Fred. "You can do it with your partner or you don't need a partner. Dancing is fun and it is good for your mind." Fred shared that his mother is 91 years old and has always danced and that dancing keeps her just as young as she ever was.

Fred has been dancing for over 50 years but did not start out as a natural. When he moved from Sicily to the United States and was attending college at Indiana State University he saw an ad in the local paper to train as a dance instructor. "I was terrible but I loved it! And it stuck," says Fred.

Over 20 years ago, when at the time Fred had a dance studio in Lubbock, he decided it was time to retire. However that didn't even last a year and he went back to work in Plano, Texas doing what he loves and teaching the world to dance. But he missed the people of Lubbock.

"People are wonderful and friendly here. You can see the difference when you go anywhere else and I knew I wanted to be back here," says Fred. And Elegance Ballroom was born.

Libby Sharp worked with him in Plano, and Jeanette Swanson was a student in Lubbock. They are both now teaching with Fred at Elegance Ballroom. The three hosted a wonderful dance party for the residents of Kingsgate and Lakeridge. Champagne, cheesecake, spinach dip and charcuterie boards were served to the guests. Everyone enjoyed music and fellowship with their neighbors and friends. And then Fred, Libby, and Jeanette got everyone on their feet for a lead & follow group class. The Lakeridge and Kingsgate neighbors learned the East Coast Swing and the Waltz. People paired off to practice and show off their newly learned talents and dance for a while. Then it was time for a Twist contest! The neighbors and sponsors in attendance were having such a great time!

Door prizes were a hit, as usual, and Fred's expertise in the dance lessons will keep people coming back for more. Everyone was so excited to learn and follow the "step, tap, walk, walk, 1 2 3" and "3 steps in a box" that they all ended the evening with fresh dances to show off at their next party. So the next time you need to learn or choreograph a dance for a wedding, quinceanera, prom, or special party give Elegance Ballroom Dance Studio & Event Center a call. They specialize in West Coast Swing, Waltz, Cha Cha, Rumba, Salsa, East Coast Swing, Tango, Country Western, and Pachanga to name a few.

Thank you Elegance Ballroom for hosting such a fun and engaging dance party for our Kingsgate and Lakeridge neighbors! We can't wait to do it again!

4930 S Loop 289, Suite 201

Lubbock, TX 79414

(806) 799-3004