So you think you want to dance like the stars?

by Sharlene Irete

People Editor

The popularity of TV shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" have renewed interest in ballroom dancing.

"Because of the image of athletes on 'Dancing with the Stars,' my classes have had more men than women and more boys than girls," said Larry Ward.

Ward taught dance in schools in Los Angeles and Orange County before recently moving to the Gardnerville Ranchos. His classes in square dancing and ballroom dancing for teens and adults begin Jan. 6 and 7 in Gardnerville and Genoa.

The ballroom dances taught are swing, cha-cha, fox trot, waltz and tango, with salsa dancing lessons taught in the adult class. The classes are paid for at the door of each session.

The ballroom dances are taught to modern music, similar to what is played on the television dancing shows, and square dancing is taught to modern country music.

Ward learned square dancing in school and became a caller as a 12-year-old. In his 55 years of dancing, he learned ballroom dancing, worked at movie studios and helped form the B-Sharps square dancing group " still active after 50 years.

Ward said to wear flat shoes to dance class and that dress is casual " there's no need to wear full skirts and petticoats for square dancing.

He said people want to learn how to dance at family weddings and at quinceanos celebrations.

"There's a big need for knowing how to dance these days," said Larry Ward.

For information on private dancing lessons for wedding parties or about ballroom and square dancing classes, call Larry Ward at (775) 297-5618.

Beginning square dance class is 7-9:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 6 through March 24 at the Genoa Town Hall. Cost per class is $5 for teens and $7 for adults.

Line dancing is taught 7-7:15 p.m. Registration is open for new dancers Jan. 6 and Jan. 13. Cookies and coffee provided. Information, Larry Ward, (775) 297-5618.

Dancing Like the Stars ballroom dance classes for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students is 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 7 through March 25, at the Dresslerville Community Center, 1585 Watasheamu Dr., Gardnerville.

Introduction to ballroom dancing includes swing, cha-cha, fox trot, waltz and tango. Class is limited to 25 couples. Cost is $8 per person per session. Information, (775) 297-5618.

Adult ballroom dancing for swing, cha-cha, waltz, two-step, tango and salsa, is 7:30-9:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 7 through March 25, at the Dresslerville Community Center, 1585 Watasheamu Dr., Gardnerville. Cost is $10 per person per session. Class is limited to 30 couples. Teens welcome. Information, (775) 297-5618.