Elgin Ballroom Dance Club by Peri Hayes “Initially,” Tina Rohowsky introduces, “The Elgin Ballroom Dance Club was started in 2000 by Ed Donkers, a local goat farmer, after the Stork Club 2000 Millennial dance. Soon after, Hilary Vaughan, a lawyer in St. Thomas, joined him as his dance partner and co-instructor. Ed decided to retire, however, class members Eugene and Krista Burge stepped in and started teaching a beginner class in April 2017. In August of 2018, they stepped down and the club went dormant.” “During the summer of 2023,” Tina continues, “Former members expressed an interest to restart the Elgin Ballroom Dance Club. On October 19th, 2023, we started our new fall session at the Knights of Columbus Club — located at 265 Wellington Street — with Ed and Hilary back as our instructors.” Tina thoroughly enjoys volunteering her time toward arranging the rental space and overseeing registration, as well as managing the club’s advertising and funds. She delightedly shares that since Elgin Ballroom Dance Club’s inception in 2000, this club has donated more than $75,000.00 to a variety of local charities. Elgin Ballroom Dance Club’s well-regarded classes entail dance instruction in a group setting -- along with opportunities to collaborate with other students, and the incorporation of one- on-one coaching. Three different dances are taught during each session, as their cherished instructors rotate through the Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Hustle, Mambo, Merengue, Rumba, Swing and Waltz. What excites Tina about this service? “Knowing that hundreds of couples have enjoyed the fun and health benefits of dancing, along with the hilarity of Ed’s unconventional teaching style,” she earnestly replies. “It is a fun place to meet new people and learn
the basics of ballroom dance. As Ed always says, ‘It’s not how many moves you know, it’s how you do the moves’. Ed has a great gift for getting beginners, especially men, started in dance.” 25 couples are welcomed per class, with ages ranging from 20 to 70 years and above. The club will soon operate a ten- week-long fall session, commencing on Thursday, September 26th. The Advanced class is scheduled from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm, while the Beginner class takes place from 8:30 pm until 9:30 pm. Full payment of the $150.00 per couple session fee is required in order to reserve space. As Tina concludes, “Both Ed and Hilary generously volunteer their time and expertise. The club charges a nominal registration fee for classes, which has allowed the club to pay for the rental space and leaves a surplus of funds available to be donated back to community charities.” Call 519-495-8897 for more information, or email Tina directly at elginballroom@gmail.com. Left to right: Jim Herbert and Rita Herbert (from their Advanced Class), Pat Conner (Christmas Care volunteer), Andreena Collins (Christmas Care volunteer), Tammy Johnston and Barry Followfield (from their Beginner Class)
celebrating the bridges between businesses and community
featuring Steven Page
buy tickets
09.26.2024
local food showcase 5pm 630pm
presented by
small business awards celebration
75$ INCLUDES FOOD SHOWCASE CASH BAR AVAILABLE
ELGIN COUNTY RAILWAY MUSEUM
SBECINNOVATION.CA/BRIDGES
Page 6 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2024
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