On a Monday evening at the Big Tin Cotton Gin, a hum of music drifts out into the parking lot. Upon entering, the warm light from the chandeliers is a welcome contrast to the dark cold outside. People are already dancing, many in sync, as though they've done this all their lives. The mood is light and there is a mix of ages on the dance floor, couples twirl alongside single dancers with the same joy and laughter.
The idea for hosting a night of dancing in Queen Creek came to Gregg Patterson, CEO of Desert Sun Entertainment, last December. Their first event was held on June 17th and Gregg feared few people would come. In the end he needn't have worried when 430 people came and showed there was in fact high demand for dancing in town.
Gregg is a high school math teacher by day, and a DJ and dancer by night. 'Dancing saved my life.' he says. During a difficult time in his life, a friend of his invited him out for a beer and also introduced him to dancing. He says he's been dancing ever since. The benefits include fitness, boosting confidence and mental health, community and connection. And while there are romantic sparks that can fly on the dance floor, the overall theme is family, with dancers as young as nine.
'You get to be who you are and just enjoy the music you love,' says Gregg. Here you are welcome whether you are a beginner or advanced, though dance lessons are also available at the event. This is a pressure free zone to just let loose, make new friends, and above all have some toe-tapping fun. Who knows, you may find some heart and healing on the dance floor too.
www.desertsunent.smugmug.com