FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Eugene/Springfield Celebrates its Growing Dance Community
With National Ballroom Dance Week™ - Sept. 21-30
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Aug. 28, 2018 - Eugene, OR - The Honorable Mayor Lucy Vinis has proclaimed the week of September 21st - 30th, 2018, National Ballroom Dance Week™. The Eugene/Springfield chapter of USA Dance and other dance organizations are hosting a series of dances during this annual event. Dance events hosted by the Eugene/Springfield USA Dance Chapter are listed below and on this page.
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9/23, 5:30 - 7:30 - Tea Dance held Upstairs at the Vet’s, 1626 Willamette St., Eugene
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9/28, 7:00 - 9:30 - National Ballroom Dance Week™ Signature Event, held at the University of Oregon with the Oregon Ballroom Dance Club, at Gerlinger Hall on the University campus, across from the EMU
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9/30, 5:30 - 7:30 - National Ballroom Dance Week™ Closing Dance held Upstairs at the Vet’s, 1626 Willamette St., Eugene
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Increasing Popularity of Ballroom Dancing
The TV shows “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”’ have sparked interest in learning to dance among many age groups. “The increased awareness has also awakened a renewed interest from the Boomer age group,” comments USA Ballroom Eugene/Springfield Chapter President Pat Ryan. “Our bi-weekly dances are a great place to meet new people, try ballroom dancing for the first time or hone your dance steps with lessons taught by nationally ranked professionals. The goal is for more people to be introduced to and experience the fun, sociability, rhythms, wholesomeness, and enjoyment of ballroom dancing.” Ryan also noted, “There are several charming stories of couples meeting and falling in love on the dance floor.”
Ballroom dances include Fox Trot, Waltz, Rumba, Night Club Two Step, West and East Coast Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue, Bachata, the Hustle and more and can be quite aerobic and a stress reliever.
There are many physical and mental benefits of dancing. An NPR article, Ballroom Dancers Waltz to Healthier Hearts, by Allison Aubrey reports that “Italian researchers have found that just 21 minutes of dancing, three times a week, can match the cardiovascular benefits from working out on a treadmill or bicycle.”
About USA Dance, Inc
Eugene USA Dance Chapter of USA Dance, Inc., a non- profit organization, promotes and sponsors ballroom dancing for all ages and abilities, and has more than 150 chapters across the country.
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Submitted by:
Gwyneth Iredale
USA Dance Eugene Springfield Oregon Chapter 1010
Contact: Patricia Ryan - pcpatricialee@gmail.com
