Dance Classes:
Dancing is good for the body and mind. Ballroom dancing is one of the best ways to prevent dementia – a scientific fact! Being social increases longevity. And, it’s just plain fun, fun, fun.
Here’s the daily class line-up outline:
See more details under “classes” tab, above.
Mondays, 7-9: International Folk Dancing with Carlos at The Dance Castle, on-going. Free class
7 – 8 p.m.: Beginning Folk Dancing
8-9 p.m.: Intermediate Folk Dancing
Dance experience is not necessary. All ages and levels are welcome! The dances are so much fun and the group loves newbies! For questions, call Carlos at (209) 743-1109.
Tuesdays: Salsa at REVIVE COFFEE with Erika & Tom, on-going
6:15: Beginning Salsa
7:15: Intermediate Beginner
8 – 9 p.m.: Salsa Dance Party
more details, below
Wednesdays:
More classes coming this fall . . .
6 Wednesdays, September 9 – October 14, 2026 at The Dance Castle with Ilene
6 – 7 p.m.: Introductory Ballroom. Great for first time dancers and anyone needing to brush-up on the basics! Learn Waltz, Foxtrot and Rumba in six weeks! https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/claimjumpers/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzQxND9zaW5nbGU9MQ%3D%3D
7 – 8 p.m.: Beginning East Coast Swing. This is the most popular and useful dance in the area. It’s fun and easy. Dance at the concerts to easy rock, country and big band music! https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/claimjumpers/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzQxMz9zaW5nbGU9MQ%3D%3D
These classes are sponsored by Columbia College Community Education. No partner needed. If the above links do not work, go to the Community Ed website and scroll down to the class listing: https://gocolumbia.edu/communityeducation/commed_registration.html
Thursdays:
tba
For MORE Salsa with Erika & Tom . . .
Salsa Tuesdays at Revive in Downtown Sonora.
6:15 p.m.: Beginning – For people who are new at salsa dancing and are still learning the basic steps. 7:15 p.m.: Intermediate Beginner – For people who know the basic by heart, know the basic patterns and have been doing salsa for a while. (not for brand new beginners)
8 – 9 p.m.: Salsa Dance Party! Stay, dance and socialize!
Revive is located at 81 S. Washington Street, downtown Sonora
NOTE: There will NOT be a barista, please bring water!! Also, bring shoes you can turn in . . . NOT TENNIS SHOES
For questions, please contact Erika and Tom at sonorasalsaclub@gmail.com
Dance Opportunities!
TUOLUMNE CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES, Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuolumne City’s West Side Memorial Park (18625 Main St., Tuolumne). Bring a chair and enjoy these amazing bands! The outdoor market with food and local vendors opens at 5 p.m.
Save every Wednesday night through September 2nd!
August 19th: Burn Permit (Classic Rock, Blues, Soul, Funk)
August 26th: Chad Bushnell (Country)
September 2nd: Left of Centre (Country, Rock)
see: tuolumnerecreation.specialdistrict.org
The Twain Harte Saturday Concerts, 6-8 p.m. at Eproson Park
Bring your chair, water and dance shoes (no blankets, please).
Saturday, September 5th, from 6-8 p.m.: Kyle Dooley at Yianni’s, downtown Sonora. Great music, amazing food and a sweet place to listen to Kyle’s great tunes and squeeze in a little dance.
September JUST DANCE with Salsa Rueda:
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026 (third Sundays of each month)
Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Salsa Rueda: 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. with Erika & Tom. Must know basic salsa step, crossbody lead and enchufa (inside turn).
Place: First Presbyterian Church (49’er Church), 11155 Jackson Street, Columbia
Music will be played for ballroom, Latin, swing, Country Western and party favorites!
Food: Light refreshments provided; please bring something to share if you can!
Cost: The dance is $5 for seniors (60+), $10 for adults, no charge for under 18 years old.
Donations appreciated for Salsa Rueda class.
No pets; guide dogs permitted
contact Ilene for more information: wingstodance@yahoo.com
For 3:45 Salsa Rueda Class:
Just Dance is a fun place to practice and learn new steps. Ilene & Jim are always available to help and support you. Looking forward to seeing you there!
contact Ilene for more information: wingstodance@yahoo.com
More Dance Events!
What an awesome line-up at Inner Sanctum Cellars in Columbia!
For more information and tickets (some events) go to: https://inner-sanctum-cellars.obtainwine.com/collection/events
The Dance Pavilion: Party Time!
SAVE THE DATES!
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 6-9 p.m.: GALA at The Dance Castle
THEME: Enchanted Forest – evolve into a mystical creature or just come as your magical self!
MUSICIANS: Enjoy Swing Gitane’s lively vibes!
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE: tba
FOOD: Please enlighten the dancers with your favorite side dish, salad or dessert!
DONATION: $20 to help cover the expenses of live music, food and decorations
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 6-9 p.m.: GALA at The Dance Castle
THEME: Starry, Starry, Night: An Elegant Evening Under the Stars
MUSICIANS: The Rusty Rockers
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE by Sonora Salsa Performance Group
FOOD: Please enlighten the dancers with your favorite side dish, salad or dessert!
DONATION: $20 to help cover the expenses of live music, food and decorations
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: 6 p.m.: Rod Harris and the Big Band at The Dance Castle
THEME:
FOOD:
DONATION:
Our “outdoor dance studio and events area!”
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Check out all the photos on our facebook page:
My daughters manage my facebook page. I’m totally fb-phobic, so please continue to email me directly or through this website. Oh . . . I’m told to ask friends to “like” us on facebook . . . .
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Inspiring videos for our next flash mob! (the second video takes great creative liberties with the basic steps (fun!):
See you out dancing!
Big hugs from Jim & Ilene
just to share . . . .
2016 was a BLAST and full of dance!
Congratulations to the West Coast Swing Flash Mob group under the direction of Stephanie Merfeld and Jim Clapp:
We had an amazing time performing all over the county for the International West Coast Swing Flash Mob Day! Dancers: Jim Duffy with Ilene Tassano, Kyle McDonald with Colleen McHenry, Mark Wright with Lisa Reza, Quentin Jongejan with April Foster and Jim Tassano with Bonnie Brunk.
The Thriller/Zombie class entertained the living in October. Big thanks to Heather Nordstrom for the classes! (see photo below)
Dance Fitness Instructor, Susan Forbes, has been amazing at instrumenting our Witchy Dances in October. The “Dance Castle Witches” had their All Hallow’s Faire Debut on October 22nd as a pre-show for the Tinder Fire Dancers:
The Fire-Dancers were amazing:
I was honored to work with this talented group of young men and women:
Teresa’s Quinceanera, choreographed September, 2014: