The End is Near!

The end of 2015, that is!
A note from James-- I truly do not know how he stays on top of it allL

Seasons Greetings,
Dancefit, Latinfit, and Sitfit continue at the ballroom.  There is a new Saturday 10am class for Sitfit in December.  There are no classes on Thursday/Friday Dec. 24th/25th & Dec31st/Jan 1st.
~DECEMBER SPECIAL~ Free Holiday Gift with purchase of 10 class pass

see our site for schedules and info:   http://lcballroom.blogspot.mx/

Elliott continues to focus on her health and wellbeing.  She is making plans to RETURN to the ballroom in January.

Elliott, James, and Ricardo  extend an invitation to celebrate Lake Chapala Ballroom's 2nd Anniversary on New Years Eve with our friends, family, clients, and participants in LCB activities. This is a clients only event...and your guests, of course!

NEW YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - You Are Invited

Thursday December 31st 8PM -till?

BYOB - drink and botana to share - we will provide mixers and plates, napkins etc.  

There will be a Champaign toast at 11pm (east coast midnight ball drop)


Opening Day Open House!

 

Back by Popular Demand!

And getting more popular all the time, James's Chair Fitness class!Yes, it's just what it sounds like...awork out class that do in a chair! But before you get excited and bring a pack of snacks and your I-Pad along, let me warn you, it is a work out!  I nabbed these photos out of the LCB vault.

Christine and PattiO are helping with a demo of the Sit'n Fit class.

 Neither of our fitness models could get over what a work out they'd received.

   And that's the problem! If you come to to Chair Fitness hoping to relax and hang out at the Ballroom for an hour, you are in for a surprise. Although this is a suitable class if you're just getting back into exercise or need to to rehab a particular area.....

If you are already fit, you'll be able to work up a sweat, believe me! You'll work every area of the body, and get in some great cardio.

The classes are Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00. Try one out, you'll really enjoy it.

Keep an eye out for updates for 2016 as we dance our way through another Holiday Season!

                                             

BREAKING NEWS!!! BREAKING NEWS!!!

DANCE CLUB QUATRO HAS BEEN MOVED TO HALLOWEEN NIGHT!!!!

The event has outgrown the dance studio as was evedent at Dance Club Tres with about 60 people moving and grooving.  DC4 will be held at Casita Monatana/Plaza Montana upstairs. THIS IS NOT A BYOB EVENT.

                  A NIGHT OF Zombies & Ghouls

DANCE CLUB QUATRO/DC4

8:00 

Casita Montana - UPSTAIRS

100.00 PESOS  

Carretera  Centro Colon/Ajijic

Prizes for

BEST  Zombie &

BEST Costume

percentage of proceeds to benefit

the RED CROSS/Thrill The World Ajijic

CASH BAR ~ FREE BOTANAS

For Tickets email us or :

JAMES 331-323-0907

What a Night at Dance Club Tres!

It was a spectacular evening at Lake Chapala Ballroom this past Friday. In fact, if these special evenings for lovers of all kinds of social dancing get any more successful, we're going to need more space!
   James and I did a social Cha Cha, which was received with enthusiasm. Ricardo and Joyce  demonstrated  the sexy Bachata, and Joyce also danced Argentine Tango and Milonga...boy, does that woman have energy!What a beautiful dancer she is.
  Nicole danced a lovely Argentine Tango as well, and for icing on the cake,she performed an authentic and lovely Middle Eastern dancing with sass and charm.
    

As usual, the food, which is brought in pot luck style by anyone who chooses to contribute a dish, was better than any caterer could provide. When we weren't being entertained by the variety of 

 

performances, everybody there danced the night away to a wonderful variety of music!

Dance Club III !

Hola All,

Lake Chapala Ballroom is very pleased to announce after many of you have requested - ANOTHER DANCE CLUB!  Who knew there were so many Lakesiders who like to dance, dance, dance! 

DANCE CLUB TRES (DC3) September 4th Friday 6PM here at LCB. 

See below for details and our website for updates
 http://lcballroom.blogspot.mx/
 

Friday, September 4th!

Ricardo (and Lake Chapala Ballroom) will once again be hosting

Lake Chapala Dance Club Tres

at our Ballroom on FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4^th  from 6pm - 9pm. 
This is a social gathering of old and new friends and friends who want to share their interest in Music &  Social Dancing. Whether it's Swing, Foxtrot, Disco or Latin, this really fills the vacuum in our little village for those of you who are hungry to share your knowledge or start to learn more about social dancing.    

In other words, it's a chance to dance your booty off and twinkle your toes

with Ricardo and Special Guest Dancers !
 

IT IS A *B Y O B* event- bring your drink of choice. If you like, bring a Botana/snack to share. At the last party, we ended up with a wonderful buffet!

 Cover is 50.00 pesos   ~ please pay to sign up in advance

THIS COULD BE A SOLD OUT EVENT!

we are located across from Bruno’s Restaurant

Carretera Ajijic

 

 Please see Ricardo or James to sign up.

Hope to see you soon,
 ok to share or post on social media

NEW CLASS AT LAKE CHAPALA BALLROOM!

CHAIR AEROBICS WITH JAMES!!!!

You'll be surprised at the workout you get!

This workout is suitable for all ages, all levels of fitness, and excellent for people ( like me) who are getting back

into exercise after surgery or illness. But don't let it fool you! By intensifying the moves you will get a full body  work

out with no stress on your joints. Try it in June!

James Wayne as Guest Speaker at Lighten Up in Ajijic

And aren't we always interested in everything that has to do with health and fitness? Barbara runs a unique group that was once Weight Watchers. It has morphed into a popular meeting for all things weight loss and health. Here's an overview of the topics James covered, along with some pix from Christine Bott and Patti Orsinger!

James has enlisted Patti and Christine to demonstrate the
use of ordinary household objects in getting and staying fit.

Paulette and Ricardo demonstrate dancing off the calories!

The topic of our meeting was - ACTIVITY -VS- EXERCISE - is sweating REALLY fun?
What is Activity-
A physical activity that is part of your daily life - lifestyle.
Example - household work, gardening, walking a dog daily. 

What is Exercise - 
A physical activity that is planned, structured, and done to improve at least ONE aspect of physical fitness = 

STRENGTH - FLEXIBILITY - AEROBIC ENDURANCE  
Example - Tennis, Golf, Swimming, Dancing, Zumba, Dancefit.

How can you turn an activity into exercise -
Walk to WalMart (physical activity), put your shopping in a backpack or bags in your arms, walk home with added weight (strength), put away groceries - reaching, bending, stretching using your right and left arm (aerobic & flexibility).  Walking your dog up a mountain for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  
When it comes to exercise, it is a personal choice, you determine how much you can and should do.  We all exercise at different levels. In a group setting try not to  compare yourself to others - they are not you.  We all have different abilities and strengths.    

I made comment of - LESS IS MORE/MORE IS LESS, and explained:  If I didn't exercise yesterday and did today, I did more than yesterday. If I exercised yesterday and today, that's more I have done and less I did not do. If do not exercise, that's less I should have and more I should have.    

We reviewed the Abdominal Muscles (ABS), Diaphragm, and Core of the body (with a picture chart).
ABS - The abdominal muscles provide postural support, protect internal organs in the abdominal and pelvic regions, and perform other functions.

James is working these girls pretty hard!

Diaphragm - helps in respiration and/or breathing,  is involved in non-respiratory functions helping to increase intra-abdominal pressure for elimination of wastes and preventing acid reflux by exerting pressure on the esophagus as it passes through the esophageal hiatus. Hiccups are an effect of the diaphragm having spasms.

Core - refers to the Pelvis, Rib Cage, and Spinal Region.  A person’s CENTER OF GRAVITY where all movement begins.  A strong Core can reduce the amount of stress a body encounters, which reduces injury.  

Lake Chapala Ballroom (owned by Lighten Up! members Elliott Joachim & James Wayne) located across from Bruno's Restaurant, was present to give a demonstration (by James Wayne) of Dancefit and Latinfit by Ricardo Gomez, also Latin Dance Instructor. Elliott who is on hiatus,  is our Ballroom Dance Instructor and Dancefit Instructor.
  

The group was offered a FREE CLASS to Dancefit, classes at Lake Chapala Ballroom M-F at 8:30 a.m., and given Ricardo's schedule: Latinfit Tue/Wed/Fri at 4pm.  Learn more about Lake Chapala Ballroom here:  http://lcballroom.blogspot.mx/

I demonstrated using a chair versus a floor/mat for exercising. Another option is working out at home with weights of water bottles,i ncreasing the weights by filling the water bottles with sand, beans, or rice. Or, try taking plastic bags (doubled/tripled) filled with potatoes or grapefruits/melons to use as kettle bells! 

 
Here are links to more information on exercising in chairs and at home.

Lake Chapala Ballroom Introduces the DANCE CLUB!

 Well, it just goes to show you that Lake Chapala Ballroom doesn't slow down when the snowbirds fly home! Although Ricardo hosted the event, James party planning skills were very much in evidence at Friday night's inaugural Lake Chapala Dance Club party!
          It's a social event that for folks who share an interest in dancing...and I feel as though it really fills a vacuum here. As an instructor, I'm amazed at how many people want to learn some more ballroom or latin couple dancing, but are  disappointed by the fact that there's no place to use their new dancing. Lake Chapala Ballroom is just the place to change all that!

Many Guests brought botanas to share!

Watching one of the surprise performances

Yes, there ARE men who like to dance at Lakeside

 

Many guests also brought botanas to share, adding
to the festive atmosphere. And nothing livens up
 a dance party like guest performers! Here's Val
with her quinceanera and her chambelanes. Isn't that wonderful? There was plenty more, which I'll post about as the photos come in.  The feed
back has really been positive, though.
     The event was held from 6:00 to 9:00 and interested guests were asked to sign up in advance, as a large turn out was anticipated. The cover was 25 pesos, or 30 pesos at the the door,
     How about you? Do you think a club like this is a good idea?If you like, give us your ideas and what you'd like to see on our Facebook page  or right here in the comments section.

See you at the next "meeting" of Lake Chapala Dance Club!

Dancefit and Latinfit Take over Ajijic!

There is so much going on at the ballroom, I barely know how to fit it all in! First, James' summer schedule will be Monday THROUGH Friday at 8:30 in the morning. Nice and cool! Also special pricing...Dancefit Retro with James classes are $30 pesos OR if you buy a 10 class pass, you can get it for $250 pesos! If you already have your class passes, they will be honored at 2 for 1, 2 classes, 1 punch!  Expiration date June 30.

  

-LATINFIT with RICARDO-

Ricardo's classes continue for May and June on Tuesday, Wednesday and Frid at 4:00 on TUE PM
He has a special class fee if you pay in advance = 10 Group Classes for 250. pesos.
and on Fridays only,if you bring a guest, it's two for one!RIDAY 
Ricardo is the most in demand private dance teacher at Lakeside You can contact him regarding fees and with any questions regarding his curriculum and Latinfit.(email above) if you have any questions regarding Latinfit. 
  

I am super excited about Lake Chapala Ballroom's new Dance Club, on Friday, May 22 from 6:00 to 9:00. Let's make this a huge success, and we'll have a place to meet other people who share a love of all kinds of dancing with Ricardo and special guest dancers. 

IT IS A *B Y O B* event - bring your drink of choice and if you like a Botana/snack to share.

Cover is 25. pesos in advance and 30. at the door.  Please see Ricardo or James to sign up.
Word of mouth is the best way to build a club of like minded people, so spread the word!..
It will be a mix of music featuring all forms of Dance, Latin, and some Swing (I might sneak in a little Disco too).
LCB will provide cups, plates, napkins & utensils.
We expect space to be limited: Reserve Early!
-in addition we hope to have a few vendors who will be selling dance related items

Check calendar for updates!

Please let me know if you have any questions - see you on the dance floor - keep fit

-please share email with your friends-

James Wayne 331-323-0907
Elliott Joachim

Ricardo Gomez 331-574-2583  

The Lights are On at Lake Chapala Ballroom!

And the fans are whirring away. It's been hot, hasn't it? But I promise, when the fans get cranked up, the ballroom is perfectly cool, no matter what hour your class may be.
    At the moment, the Dancefit classes are on hiatus. James has had a trip planned for a long time, and as usual, just when I need to be filling in for him, I have a health situation that needs immediate attention. So we're very lucky that Ricardo has joined us!

Ricardo flirting with dance partner Edie, after performing a number in the Lip Synch show.

He will be continuing his very popular Latin classes (see calendar) on Tues/Wed/and Fri at 4:00. Ricardo is also available for private classes in cumbia, salsa, slow latin, and rock 'n roll. Email Ricardo for information on his schedule jricardo24@outlook.com

     James and I will see you in May, so keep on dancing!

Giant Success for Lake Chapala Ballroom at the Chili Cook Off!

We had such a lot of fun , and so many people signed up for future information about classes and new programs that we have in the planning stages.

LCB presented a program on both days that proved to be popular with the crowds...you could tell, because they joined in and danced with us! on Saturday, James and I started with a traditional waltz to Anne Murray's Vaya Con Dios.   

Vaya Con Dios was a popular choice with the audience!

LCB chillaxin after the Dancefit portion of the program. Ricardo Reyes has joined us recently and his

showcases were a great hit. First he "shared" partner Ginger with another Salsa dancer.

Lucky Ginger!

As if that wasn't enough, on Sunday Ricardo brought Edith to the stage for another Latin showstopper!

Ricardo and Edith dance a smokin salsa.

Both days,the program ended with a big Dancefit demonstration led by James, and the crowd participated with enthusiasm.

It was so much fun this year, and we made friends with lots of new people interested in Dancing in Ajijic and Chapala. James and I are working on new classes and programs to roll out after  we meet our annual travel obligations, so keep checking in for new announcements. See you in the Ballroom!

Woot Woot! Lake Chapala Ballroom and Dancefit invited to Perform at Cook Off!

Hola All-
In case you have not heard, Lake Chapala Ballroom was asked to return to the stage of the Chili Cook-off on Saturday and Sunday February 28th/March 1st  this year after the LCB crowd pleasing performance last year.  
 
LCB will be present all weekend with a booth (#10 on the eastside from entrance/also on the cook-off map available at the gate), and performances on stage at 2:15 Saturday and Sunday.  
  you can check here for more info
 
Elliott and I would like to invite all the Dancefit classes (and their friends/families) to join us on stage or in the audience.  We will be doing an Electric Slide as warm up (Jackson 5 - Can You Feel It), then a Dancefit mini workout  - follow the leader -  very low impact and light work out (Beatle's Stars on 45).   Our intention is to have an audience participation group work out.  Total work out time is 15 minutes.  PLEASE SAY YOU WILL join us - either day if you can make it or both.  ALL ARE WELCOME to participate, those that joined us last year really put on a great performance to the cheering crowds.   PLEASE BE AT THE STAGE DOOR AT 2:00PM
 
Elliott (Ballroom Dance Instructor) and myself (Student of Dance) will open the LCB performance with the Waltz.  Ricardo (Latin Dance Instructor) will also be performing with some students performing various Latin movements .     
 
Please let Elliott or myself know if you have any questions, and stop by the booth if you are tasting the Margaritas and Chili...
 
Thanks for participation,
 
James Wayne 331-323-0907
Elliott Joachim

Welcome Ricardo, Latin Specialist!

Lake Chapala Ballroom is delighted to welcome Ricardo to family or dance instructors. After just one introductory group, his students were so excited at what they had learned that he immediately added two classes to the LCB calendar, and then had to add two more! Ricardo teaches Salsa, Cumbia, and Son Cuba, which is a beautiful latin slow dance.

We've had people clamoring for afternoon classes, and now, no matter what your schedule, you can find a time to come...Tuesday and Friday at 10;30 am, OR at 4:00pm, also Tuesday and Friday.. 

Happy Birthday Lake Chapala Ballroom!

James and I are getting a Waltz routine ready for the Chili Cook Off.

Wait...The Chili Cook Off? Didn't we just dance at that?

 
We did, one year ago! In fact, we had a gala on New Year's Eve to celebrate Lake Chapala Ballroom's first Birthday...exactly one year ago we had our Grand Opening on New Years Day.
 What a lot of fun we've had this year!We've had Belly Dance classes, Tai Chi, Salsa, Dancefit, Jazzercise, and lessons in Swing, Waltz, Fotxtrot,  and Tango as well as an enormously popular Salsa for Fitness afternoon class. LCB students were even featured in a movie!

Life sometimes gets in the way of our goals, though. As much as we got accomplished, there's so much that I'd like to see happen to bring more dancing into our community. Some of the activities I plan to bring to the ballroom are;
1. Group Lessons in Ballroom Dancing
2. Dance "clubs" that can meet and enjoy live music around the village.
3. More fitness classes inspired by social dance rythms.
4. Dance Practice Parties for students to try out their new skills.
                                                               Sometimes, though, life gets in our way. I've had some bumps in the health road that have prevented me from being able to accurately predict when classes will be scheduled beyond 
"Coming Soon!" I'd love to get my pet project, West Coast Swing classes, started, but I just have to wait until my stamina is a little more dependable. I'm sure many  of you can empathize. They are coming soon, though, I promise.