Two years ago, a handful of avid dancers decided there wasn’t enough dancing being done in the Harbour City.
So they decided to do something about it by forming their own regular dance group called Club 256.
“We came to the conclusion that there wasn’t enough dancing happening in Nanaimo,” said Club 256 president John Maher. “The Departure Bay singles dances had stopped and the Ballroom Society had cut back to once a month, so there was basically a shortage.”
On Oct. 9, Club 256 will be holding its two-year anniversary party by hosting a free open house dance night at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256 at 7 p.m.
Maher says the open house will give members of the community an opportunity to see what Club 256 is all about.
“We wanted to give something back on Thanksgiving,” Maher said. “It will be free admission and there will be two free dance lessons during the evening.”
Club 256, which meets at the East Wellington Road legion branch twice a month, offers a variety of dance styles that includes partner dancing such as waltz, swing, salsa and tango.
“We play tunes that are high-energy party tunes that make your feet want to get up and dance,” he said.
Club 256 has no membership, but around 45-60 regulars according to Maher, who says it is a way to stay active and meet people.
“It is a great way to stay sane as you get older ... it keeps the brain and feet connected,” Maher said.
Club 256 meet on the second and fourth Friday of every month at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256, 1630 East Wellington Rd. Admission is $10 and includes a 30-minute dance lesson.
For information, call 250-758-5272.
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