Get Hot, Hot, Hot at the Ridgefield Playhouse

From newstimes.com (Ridgefield, CT):

"Not everyone has to dance like the people they see on TV," says Christoph Lawatsch, manager of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Ridgefield. "Everyone can dance, you just have to start with the basics."

The perfect opportunity to try out Latin dancing is at the "Dancing with the Stars -- Sizzling Salsa" event at the Ridgefield Playhouse Thursday.

Professionals from the Fred Astaire Studio will be teaching participants the basics of the salsa, tango and meringue.

For dancers who want a chance to show off their moves, a competition will be held after the lessons. Audience members will vote for the couple they think had the best dance, and the winner will receive tickets to a show.
Allison Stockel, executive director of the Ridgefield Playhouse, organized the evening, which includes a margarita tasting and salsa party in the lobby before the dancing begins. There will also be an after-party where everyone can cool down with music and food courtesy of Southwest Cafe of Ridgefield. Employees from Adam Broderick Salon and Spa will be at the event too, providing make-up tips and applications so participants can get the perfect look for when they go out dancing.

"It's a cheap way to have some fun," Stockel said.

The event is being hosted by the Danbury Hospital Spirit of Women program. Spirit of Women is a national program aimed at helping women become more engaged in health and wellness. According to Andrea Rynn, director of community, public, and government relations at Danbury Hospital, the program helps empower women to take better care of themselves through eating right, exercising, and taking time to focus on their own personal needs. Rynn says Latin dance is a great, fun way for women to get up and move.

"Latin dance steps are easy to learn," Rynn added. "And you don't have to be an expert to have fun with it."

Members of the Spirit of Women program will be on hand to answer health questions and talk about how to join their program. Their goal is to show how exercise can be enjoyable, and that dancing is a great way to get the heart pumping.

"The event will show you the power of dance," Stockel said.

"Dancing with the Stars -- Sizzling Salsa" is set for THursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $5 and can be purchased on the Ridgefield Playhouse Web site, or by calling their box office at 203-438-5795.