ALWAYS-DANCIN--ROOM-AT-LORETTO-INN

The Loretto Inn makes a statement before you even set foot inside the place. Drivng north over the crest of a hill there it is in the valley, right at the crossroads all on it's own! You can't miss it. It has been a dance spot for many years now, however recently it was taken over by new people and there was some concern that they would have different priorities. Happily the incoming owners were most supportive of the line and couples dancers. As a result the successful dance workshop organized by Deanna Allen and Cathy Montgomery that hit the floor for the first time last year made its return this June 2010.

We were greeted by some major changes, boy does the Inn look smart! Lots of smiles when we arrived ready for action! What value this event is, for $50 you get the workshop, dancin' at night, an excellent lunch (choice of wrap with salad or french fries & dessert courtesy Cathy & Deanna) and full dinner (roast beef, vegetables, salad with a "very special dressing" the owner assured us, pasta, potatoes and dessert). We sure had to dance after scoffing all that down!!!

I had taken a newbie with me, a dancer from the UK. She was most impressed with the instructors, "They were all so clear and easy to follow", she told me, "plus they seemed to be really enjoying themselves". We started with Deanna, Loretto's fun-lovin' resident instructor, then along came the very capable and experienced Michele Carver who always chooses excellent dances. Valarie Keller, well known for 'Dancin' for Miracles', Ontario's favourite fun raising line dance event, is always fun to learn from and Jill Baker from Newmarket is an excellent instructor as well as choreographer. Kathy K and Cathy M got us chuckling as the battle continued as to holds the right to the title of "The Good C/Kathy", these two know how to get you dancin' without even realizing you're learnin'!

There was something for everyone, easy, more challenging, country and non-country. We walked down memory lane and kept up with the latest. There was lots of free dancing in between the instruction which I really enjoy. Come the evening the resident DJ took over so there were a fair number of two steps played, a good opportunity for couples to have their turn on the dancefloor.

Our hosts, Deanna and Cathy were constantly on the move checking to make sure everyone was having a good time. The owner had decided to serve us lunch at the tables and although this was a good idea it took a fair amount of time, so our hosts ensured that the dinner was served buffet style which worked much better; we could get back to the dance floor far more quickly! You couldn't ask for a quicker response from these very competent organizers.

Many thanks to Cathy and Deanna for a well-run and friendly event where everyone was made to feel welcome in a venue with a great atmosphere. Fingers crossed that their 'Fun Workshop' will be hitting the dance floor at Loretto next summer but meanwhile do check out their monthly dances.

ALWAYS DANCIN' ROOM AT LORETTO INN