Lake Norman dance club steps up with lessons, events

Dancing is good for your heart, your brain and for your socialization skills. Keeping that in mind – and with the goal of creating a local chapter of USA Dance – a group of ballroom, salsa, and West Coast swing dancers held a get-acquainted dance in November 2011 at Havana in the Palace, at Kenton Place, Cornelius.

From that initial meeting, the Lake Norman chapter of USA Dance grew to more than 70 members in just over a year.

Besides promoting dance, the chapter raised money to give scholarships to dancers at the Charlotte Fall Classic competition, and helped with medical expenses for a local dancer who lost part of his arm in an airplane accident.

The Lake Norman chapter meets twice a month, the third Friday of the month at Havana Ballroom in Cornelius and the first Saturday at Grace Events Center in Statesville.

At these meetings, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. a different area dance instructor teaches a lesson. From 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., a DJ plays music for general dancing. If you’re interested in attending these dances, wear leather-soled shoes you can dance in. Come as a couple or as a single. The chapter provides heavy snacks, a cash bar and raffle prizes. Admission is $15 for nonmembers.

For the next Cornelius dance, on Feb. 16 at Havana Ballroom, the chapter will hold its first formal, a Mardi Gras masquerade ball. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and the party goes until 11. For $40 a person, the evening includes a signature New Orleans hurricane drink and a three course meal that includes salad, two meats, a mashed potato bar, desserts, and coffee. During-dinner entertainment will be a dance performance; after-dinner dancing will be to New Orleans tunes by DJ Maria St. John. The reservation form with all the details is at www.usadance6119.org. Make your reservations by Feb. 2.

Any questions? Contact Maggie Rohlik, president of Lake Norman chapter No. 6119, at lkndance@hotmail.com or go to www.usadance6119.org.

Harvey’s signature beer dinner

At 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5, Harvey’s in Cornelius, 19707 Liverpool Parkway, will team up with Carolina Brewery to offer a four-course dinner paired with five beers. Harvey’s owner Charlie Dyer and a Carolina Brewery representative will discuss the brewing and pairing process and how distinct characteristics of the beers complement the ingredients of each course.

“Harvey’s is excited to share our culinary passion and our love of craft beer with our neighbors in Cornelius,” said Dyer. “There are so many different subtle notes and flavor profiles inherent in beer that pair really well with food.”

Tickets are $25 per seat. To reserve your spot, contact harveys.cornelius@gmail.com or 704-892-1001. Seating is limited; reservations are required.