January 2008
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© 2008, Salt Lake Vienna Waltz Association
Greetings Waltzers,
We've returned from a marvelous time in San Diego, waltzing to the San Diego Young Artists Symphony (SDYAS) at the Balboa Park Club. The ball opened at 7:30 p.m. with a long grand march consisting of Johann Strauss Sr.'s "Radetsky March," followed by Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Der Ziguenerbaron" (Gypsy Baron) Overture, almost 11 minutes of dizzying march. Truth be told, the Balboa Park Club "Dance Freeway" became a bit jammed at times, but the two march leaders with their maces performed admirably, keeping all of us moving on that floor.
Dress was Black Tie Invited and period dress, although SDYAS graciously announced beforehand that these choices were optional. We spoke with Paul from our hometown of Orange County who wore a dinner jacket last year, but this
year came wearing only a dark shirt and slacks. Occasional period hoop skirts and coats decorated the dance floor nicely. Lucy and I dressed black tie formal, but many
couples wore dark suits and nice dresses. No one seemed out of place.
SDYAS's Vienna balls are strictly waltzes and polkas. And the Balboa Park Club's dance floor is long and narrow. Last year as semi-novices, we had an occasional rough time staying out of more experienced waltzers ways. This year, we had more horsepower and several more advanced steps, and often found ourselves avoiding novices' traffic jams, especially right in front of the orchestra. Inexperienced waltzers tend to dance in place there, and getting around them gracefully is something we and our instructor are now working on. Last year, the orchestra did announce that less experienced dancers should stay toward the center of the floor. A gentle reminder this year would have helped.
But the ends of the floor were wide open, a refreshing breadth of room to practice steps impossible to do among the crowd. Plus, one had an exclusive audience of sideliners watching one there. What a great way to practice a new step before an audience.
San Diego was in the midst of a heat wave during the ball, rare for an ocean-side city. Inside the Balboa Park club was hot, and I drank at least five pints of water. But Balboa Park is a beautiful divergence from San Diego proper. You would do yourself a favor by attending next year's ball.
Contact SDYAS at:
San Diego Young Artists Symphony
P.O. Box 23696
San Diego, California 9219
Finally, please accept my apologies for publishing this issue of the newsletter so late. Family matters intervened. You can expect an additional newsletter within the next
month or two.
Regards, Michael
