At the Centre for the Arts, ballroom dance will chase away the winter blahs thanks to dance instructor Amanda Showell Cook. Beginning Wednesday, January 8th the Centre offers Level 1 instruction in two dances, East Coast Swing at 7 pm. and Cha-Cha at 8 pm.

East Coast Swing is an easily learned way to enjoy social dancing to Swing music. It shares some aspects of the Lindy Hop with less overall movement and fewer timing variations. Danced to a wide range of tempos, the music is traditionally big band Swing from the golden era of Jazz. Based upon a quick three-step movement, the Cha-Cha is a fun, flirty dance that grew out of the Cuban Mambo. It consists of triple chasse steps (cha cha cha’s) and rock steps. Students will be taught the basic steps, rhythms and techniques of the dances and advance on existing skills. Singles and couples are welcome to these four-week courses. The cost is $50 for members of the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council or $55 for non-members. Advance registration is required by Jan 2.

A teacher since 1996, Showell has taught at some of the largest dance schools on the east coast. She has won numerous ballroom dance competition titles and trained with world class dancers such as Peter Eggleton and Charlotte Jorgensen.

Centre for the arts classes are designed to renew existing artistic interests, and to develop new skills. Registration materials are available at 206 South Commerce St. in Centreville, MD Tuesday-Friday from 9am to 5 pm., or by calling 410-758-2520, online, www.arts4u.info, or request via email at exhibit@arts4u.info. The Centre receives support through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. Visit us on the web at www.arts4u.info.