I’m madder than Eli Manning getting a red flag every time he tries to complete a pass during a soccer game over the fact that I have to keep reading about all these National Foosball League stars using their rage away from the gridiron and on their kids, wives, and girlfriends.
Look, you all know that the ol’Screecher knows a thing or two about letting off some steam, and my rule No. 1 is never to punch anything out of fear that doing so could cut me and release some of my precious blood.
So why do I have to read about this stuff everyday when the paper gets delivered to the door by the paperboy who’s been delivering it for so long he’s become a paperman? I’ll tell you why. Because the freedom of the press allows these guys to write whatever they want, and nothing is more interesting to them these days than that. Well, let me tell you this: if they keep promoting it like this, it’s going to keep happening, as violence begets violence. I wish they’d just write about nice things like I do every week, because there is no better way to enlighten people’s lives then to deprive them of information they don’t necessarily need that could make them feel bad. If they did that, maybe people would be nicer to one another.
And that’s why I recommend that thenceforward, you get out all your frustrations on the dance floor and, of course, I could help you do so with my free tango and ballroom dance lesson on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Seth Low IS 96 in its auditorium.
The ballroom dance program is for beginners of all ages, aided by students who advance year after year. Partners are not necessary, but are encouraged. Assisted by associates and regular students of federation’s year-round evening dance class, the classes have all levels of dancers eager to learn more. I have been teaching ballroom dancing for nearly 60 years, and my Federation dance class is now in its 16th successful year at the Beacon Center, In fact, they are so popular, students come from all over the city to learn dance patterns, techniques, and get my expert critique.
Registration is required and can be done at the front desk at the school. For more information contact Joe Rizzi at (718) 232–2266 or the Federation at (718) 259–2828.
In my opinion, Latin music, whether it be mambo, cha cha, or salsa, will last forever. It is happy music and you can see the enjoyment on the faces of each dancer. With that in mind, here’s the Screecher’s pro tip of the week on where to hear and dance to great salsa music: at the 360 lounge at Resorts Casino in Aqueduct, Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 8. There is a free salsa lesson in front of the huge circular bar, and from what my expert eyes could see, the instructor was excellent, getting 40 couples up on the floor dancing salsa.
But I don’t just teach salsa, lambada, and the hokey pokey. I use regular students to demonstrate initial patterns and techniques, teaching students how to dance in time with the music. Basic meringue, foxtrot, and tango are introduced, and then cha cha and Swing are added.
I also teach advanced students the peabody, rumba, mambo, waltz, and samba.
Some students call it a ballroom dance clinic, but most call it a fun exercise program!
During the years I’ve been involved in this popular evening program, parents have brought their teenagers to learn ballroom dance with them, bridging the generation gap. I teach group lessons only, telling students “You learn to dance by dancing and teaching each other, but my eagle eyes will always be there watching and correcting you!”
And best of all, I do it all from atop my trusty steed Tornado! That’s right! I don’t ever have to put two feet on the ground to teach you to dance! As my old bosses Katherine and Arthur Murray would say at the end of their popular television program, “if you want to have a little fun in your life, try dancing.”
Screech at you next week!