Cotillion Dance Club  Sneaking in during prohibition

Nunzio and Serafina Cusumano arriving at the secret basement entrance to the ballroom

Nunzio and Serafina Cusumano arriving at the secret basement entrance to the ballroom

Rob Spade

Cotillion members Nunzio and Serafina Cusumano arrived at the secret basement entrance to the Oakwood ballroom for our March 11 “Prohibition Ball.” Somehow, you can just tell these two hail from New York :-).

The evening’s theme was reminiscent of the life and times of formal dinner dance attendance during the Prohibition era. The attendees seemed to really enjoy wearing appropriate apparel for the occasion. And just to be clear, it was not against federal law to drink alcohol during the Prohibition, a fact that this event was successful in commemorating.

The evening was tremendous. Thirty couples attended the VIP reception with accompanying piano, champagne and hors d’oeuvres. It was a great way to begin the evening. The chef and banquet staff did a splendid job on the elegant sit-down dinner. The macadamia encrusted chicken entrée with duchess potato and hunter sauce was especially memorable. The key lime and coconut banana pies were awesome. The music provided by the Lyn Jackson Ensemble was so appropriate for the occasion. Dancing started early, and the floor was busy all night. It was great to witness dancers who had attended the group lesson two days before the dance showing off their newly-acquired tango skills. Wonderful event!

One of our dance studio sponsors is Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Chandler. This is their second full season as a Cotillion Dance Club sponsor. We appreciate their continued services to the club. Fred Astaire Studio provided group lessons all season. Over the course of the season, these two-hour lessons covered East Coast swing, foxtrot, waltz, rumba, tango and cha cha instruction. All residents of the Sun Lakes communities are welcome to attend these lessons. Please visit our website or contact us for more information about lesson availability, dates and other services.

The planning for the 2017 season is already underway. New club memberships increased by 15% this season. The growth rate is expected to continue next season. Six events are being planned. Lots of information regarding next season will be published throughout the summer months. We’re looking forward to the opening event on October 14.

If you want to participate in the planning and preparations for next season, please contact us soon. If you are interested in becoming a club member or attending a dance as a guest of the club, please call, text or email us. Lots more information is available to you on the website.

Phone or text the club at 602-529-6829 or visit our website at www.cotilliondanceclubaz.com.