Lake Lifestyles / January-February 2011 / Dance to the Music

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Dance to the Music

Like so many of their friends, they met on the dance floor.
Rosina was widowed and took up dancing to meet new people. Bill started dancing in 1988.
"We knew each other for six years before we started dating," Bill Moehlenkamp says. "Once we found we had a talent to teach together, there was no stopping us."
It's a story told time and time again by members of the Lake of the Ozarks Swing Dance Club.
"A lot of second-time-around marriages got started on the dance floor. Many of our single friends also come for the fellowship," Rosina says.
The Moehlenkamps live in Warrenton, Mo. Rosina is a published writer. Bill is employed by the Department of Corrections as a garage supervisor. Both have been actively involved in dance clubs for years.
Traveling to the Lake area often, they decided to start a local dance club in 2006. They had journeyed to dance clubs across the country, were members of groups in the St. Louis area and even taught dance out of their home studio, but there was no Lake of the Ozarks club to enjoy. With the help of a few friends and fellow dancers, they started the Lake of the Ozarks Swing Dance Club. Membership has grown since.
"We want to retire at the Lake, and we wanted to have a viable dance club in place when we are able to move here permanently," Rosina says.
"We found a new passion in dance. The exercise keeps you young, and there is a feeling of satisfaction in teaching others," she says. "Right now most of the people involved are at retirement age because they are finally doing something for themselves, instead of being focused on raising their children. It would be wonderful if we could encourage young adults and high school students to learn the art of dancing so there will be someone to continue what we started."
Everything from swing, line dancing, cha-cha, ballroom and the waltz are performed and taught during the club's monthly dances. Members and Lake Ozark residents Larry and Jeanne Laminger pitched in to help build the local club.
They also see dance as a fun way to enjoy music, get some exercise and meet people.
"We enjoy all aspects of dancing," Larry says. "All types of people with various backgrounds and careers become involved with the club. There is no stereotype other than they like to dance."
Besides providing a place to learn and enjoy dance, the club often turns its gatherings into fundraisers benefiting community organizations.
"Our members find so many rewards when joining our club, not only the ability to dance, but the opportunity to help their community," Rosina says.

 

About the Lake of the Ozarks Swing Dance Club

Its mission is to preserve and promote swing dance.
The club meets every month at the Camden County Museum in Linn Creek. Check www.camdencountymuseum.com for updates.
The club's themes range from St. Patrick's Day to 50s dances.
Since 2006, the club has donated to local charities including the Hope House, Citizens Against Domestic Violence and the American Heart Association. It has also held a fundraising event for the Camden County Museum so the museum could build new steps and construct a handicap entrance. The club has also participated in local events and for three years, has won two first place honors and one second place honor in the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

How to join
Annual dues are $20 and include four, free dance lessons before the dance and a quarterly newsletter. If you renew, dues are $15, and the membership card is good at all sister clubs in St. Louis.

Lessons
Are held at the Greenview Bank in Greenview, usually on the second Sunday of the month. There are four, two-hour sessions offered at $40 for members or $50 for non-members.