These Carrillo Ballroom dances are hosted by a rotation of popular dance instructors. April’s dance was hosted by the fabulous Kookie. She lead an hour-long Samba lesson followed by two hours of social dancing.  Kookie put together a play list of recorded music for waltz, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, quickstep, rumba, cha cha, swing (Lindy and West Coast), salsa and hustle.

Besides dancers, a number of Tom’s  friends came by to share birthday wishes. We enjoyed a surprise visitor from Colorado, Lila Ferguson, Crosby’s dear friend since Montessori days.

I danced a bit (waltz and foxtrot), took lots of photos and smiled often. It was a great evening. Gastil’s teacher, Vasilly Golovin (Dance Fever Studios), attended as well as a number of other instructors and high-level dancers. The floor handled all of us, from beginners (me and my kind), through intermediate level and the brilliant, experienced dancers. 

After the dance I went to La Arcada Bistro for a pint of Guinness and a sip (or two) of Willie Quinn’s favorite (value) Irish whiskey with long-time friends Larry and Betty.

A grand evening, appropriate to celebrate the first anniversary of my 70th birthday. A gallery of images is below.

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