Keeping Warm with Romance

It’s a cold weekend for our area, the coldest it has been in years weather forecasters say. Avoid the bitter chill and use this opportunity to stay in and warm up with your sweetie. Here are a few ideas the two of you can do together with in the comfort and warmth of your own home.

For the Movie Buffs: Themed Movie Marathons
Decide on a theme for your marathon. There are many different kinds to come up with, and if you’re a movie aficionado, the possibilities can be endless. You could choose an actor and watch the films he has starred in that earned him Academy Award nominations. Create your own off-beat genre, for example, “action movies which feature some sort of public transportation.” Or to get you in the mood for your pending nuptials, look through our movie list for wedding and dance films!

Once you’ve gotten your movies lined up, put out a full night’s worth of snacks, fluff up your pillows, and find a warm blanket you and your sweetie can cuddle under. Dim the lights, press play and let the romance begin.

For the Foodie Couple:
Stir up some romance in the kitchen. Find a new recipe the both of you would like to try, and cook it together. You’ll enjoy yourselves working side by side as the aromas of herbs & spices fill the air. When your special meal has been prepared, make it a picnic in front of the fireplace instead of the usual dinner table. If you don’t have a fireplace, then light up all the candles you have. Turn on your favorite music and open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving for a “special occasion” to complete the romantic ambience. Remember to save room for dessert!

For the Outdoorsy Types:
Those prone to cabin fever will find a way out of their house despite the cold weather conditions. If you and your sweetheart don’t mind braving the cold, try a wintry stroll at a near by park. Go ice-skating at your local rink. Some ice rinks have open skating where they play dance music and a colorful disco ball shimmers overhead. Use the strong winds to fly a kite. After you work up a good outdoor exercise, chase the cold away with two mugs of hot chocolate and curling up next to your honey.

Dance Around the World!

Two to Tango: An Evening in Buenos Aires - ArgentineTango Lessons and Latin dance party

Where: Meze Restaurant, Bar, & Lounge (Adams Morgan)2437 18th street NW Washington DC
When: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 7:45 PM Check-in

8:00 PM Argentine tango dance lesson starts. No dance partner is needed, as we will rotate partners during the lesson.

9:00 PM Dance party continues with dancing to mostly tango music with some salsa, merengue, and other Latin music for variety.

Attire: Business or cocktail

You are welcome to come by yourself. No dance partner is needed, as we will rotate partners during the lesson. Learn to dance the Argentine Tango as it is danced in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After the class, enjoy a dance performance and dance the night away to tangoand Latin music.

To purchase tickets, go to www.InternationalClubDC.com/



Kennedy Center Black-Tie Inaugural Gala reception and Mariinsky Ballet Performance of Don Quixote

Where: Kennedy Center
When: Friday, January 16
Time: 7:00 PM, the ballet performance starts. Followed by the Black-Tie Gala Reception at the South Opera Tier Lounge where you’ll enjoy a variety of delectable desserts, the company of your ICDC friends, and a live jazz ensemble.
Attire: Cocktail attire requested. Black-tie optional.

We cordially request the pleasure of your company for a very special inaugural gala reception at the Kennedy Center with a performance of Don Quixote by the Mariinsky Ballet. After the ballet performance, join us for a red carpet black-tie Gala reception at the South Opera Tier Lounge. Feast on delectable desserts with wine and drinks served at the open bar while enjoying the the company of your ICDC friends. A live jazz ensemble will also keep you company as you enjoy music and dancing under the opulent glow of the chandeliers

To purchase tickets, go to www.InternationalClubDC.com/



Black-Tie Inaugural Gala at the Embassy of Indonesia: A celebration of Indonesian culture, music, dance and cuisine

Where: Embassy of Indonesia
When: Saturday, January 17
Time: 6:30PM – 11:00 PM
Attire: Business or cocktail requested. Black-tie optional

International Club of DC, with the cooperation of the Embassy of Indonesia,cordially requests the pleasure of your company for a very special black-tieinaugural gala at the Embassy of Indonesia. The 44th President of the UnitedStates discovered Indonesia when he was a child and attended school inIndonesia from 1967 - 1971. It is now your turn to discover the richcultural heritage of Indonesia! The Live Gamelan Music and Traditional Indonesia Dance Presentation is a very rare treat as we have made arrangements to present a special concert and performance of traditional costumed Indonesian singers and dancers. The evening includes a traditional Indonesian Dinner Buffet with a selection of Regional Wine.

Please note that capacity for this very special and unique celebration is limited and isexpected to be sold out. Please make your reservations soon. After dinner, dance the night away to the sounds of a Jazz Ensemble. We are certain to sell out this event soon!

To purchase tickets, go to www.InternationalClubDC.com/

Russian New Year's Ball 2009

DC's fabulous New Year's Celebration! Don't Miss this wonderful event to benefit The Prince Obolensky Home for Special Children, Kaluga Province, Russia.

When: Friday January 9, 2009
Time: 7:30 PM. Champagne Toast at midnight
Where: The Grand Ballroom at the Mayflower Hotel
Attire: White or Black tie, or Russian costumes

Entertainment by Special Guests~ The Washington Balalaika Society and Washington Ballet and Sydney's Orchestra and the Russian Dance Troupe.

Featuring~ Debutantes-Cotillion Dance.

Individual Tickets- $195 All inclusive (Cocktails, Dinner, Cultural
Program, Dessert and Dancing) $ 50 for the young at heart - DANCING
ONLY, Cash Bar

TICKETS AVAILABLE by CALLING 202-249-2619 or e-mail
srs.obolensky@rcn.com

All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Alexis D.

See you there!

Christmas Parties Galore!

Though this time of the year is the most cheerful and magical, it can also be very hectic. We find ourselves stressed out with shopping, planning, hosting parties and doing our best to bring happiness to those we love. Take time for yourself and your sweetie to enjoy the holiday season with a night of dancing and romancing, or bring some friends and make it a “holiday girl’s or guy’s night out” where you could have fun meeting new people! The Christmas season is booming with holiday parties across our area!

"La Divina" Holiday Milonga Night and Show
Hosted by Forever Dancing

Date: Tuesday, December 23Time: 9:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Venue:Elan Dancesport Center8442 Lee HighwayFairfax, VA 22031
Music: The best of Tango traditional, Tango Nuevo, Milonga & Waltz is played by Fabio who recreates for you the atmosphere of the Milongas of Buenos Aires. So, don't miss this opportunity to dance in an Argentinean atmosphere!
Show: Special Performances by Students and Professionals
Food: Beverages, cheese, crackers, snacks and sweets are complimentary.
Dress Code: Holiday Cocktail Attire. Admission: $15.00 General Admission.$12.00 with One Workshop.$10.00 with both Workshops.We will have 2 workshops prior to our MilongaFor more information go to www.foreverdancing.com/tango.html


Matzo Ball Party 2008
Hosted by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals

Date: Wednesday, December 24
Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Venue: Ultrabar, 911 F ST. NW WDC 20004. Features specialty cocktails and a DJ spinning groovy dance tunes all night. Enter discount code “matzo” at the checkout to receive $5 off each ticket.Connect to http://www.matzoball.org/tickets.html


Christmas Night at Hollywood Ballroom

Date: Thursday, December 25
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: 2126 Industrial Pkwy, Silver Spring, MD 20904
Admission: $15

Ballroom dancing with D.J. Bob Kuzyk. Refreshments and drawings for free passes and a pair of men's and ladies' dance shoes. For more information go to www.hollywoodballroom.com


Holiday Swing Dance with Tom Cunningham Orchestra

Date: Saturday, December 27
Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight
Venue: The Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park
Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for kids 13 and younger.

16 Piece TCO is the “Swingin’est Band in the Land!” Beginning swing lesson with Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg at 8pm. Dancing until midnight. For more information go to www.tomcunningham.com


Holiday Hula Swing Dance

Date: Sunday, December 28
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 Pm
Venue: The Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park
Admission: $15

Hula Holiday Dance party featuring The Hula Monsters. Door prizes and hula fun! For more information go to http://dancingbythebayou.com

Why Learn to Dance? by Deborah Joy Block, National Wedding Dance Expert

You’ve made a big investment in your wedding day. Learning to dance is an important investment in your relationship creating lifetime memories — wonderful for the wedding and a skill useful at future social events.

Dance lessons are the most fun and romantic time you can have during your wedding planning process! Shine on the dance floor and make your first dance the highlight of the reception: SPARKLE IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

Your wedding album and video will impress when your first dance is well choreographed. We will teach you how to romantically dance as a married couple with dignified decorum avoiding the "high school prom sway" or "bump and grind."

Unlike flowers, cakes, and decorations, you cannot outsource the first dance. You and your loved one will face the music and dance confidently after lessons with us.

The First Dance is your first presentation to the world of your teamwork, partnership, and unity as a married couple.

Salsa Extravaganza! Be there!

2008 DC Salsa Congress Event Schedule
Crystal City Hilton

Friday, August 15th

5:30PM- 6:30PM Performers Tech Rehearsal
7:30PM- Will-Call Pickup Opens. Preregistered Passes can be picked up at this time.
8PM- Doors open for VIP, Full Pass and Weekend Night Pass Holders.
8:30PM- Doors open for single night pass holders.
9PM-10:30PM - Performances
11PM- 3AM- Social Dancing with International DJs

Saturday, August 16th

9AM-Noon- Registration is open
10AM-1PM- Workshops
1PM-2PM- Lunch time Artist Discussion
2PM-5PM- Workshops
5:30PM- 6:30PM - Performers Tech Rehearsal
7:30PM- Will-Call Pickup Opens. Preregistered Passes can be picked up at this time.
8PM- Doors open for VIP, Full Pass and Weekend Night Pass Holders.
8:30PM- Doors open for single night pass holders.
9PM- 10:30PM - Performances
11PM- 3AM- Social Dancing with International DJs

Sunday, August 17th

9AM-Noon- Registration is open
10AM-1PM- Workshops
1MP-2PM- Lunch
2PM-5PM- Workshops
5:30PM- 6:30PM Performers Tech Rehearsal
7:30PM- Will-Call Pickup Opens. Preregistered Passes can be picked up at this time.
8PM- Doors open for VIP, Full Pass and Weekend Night Pass Holders.
8:30PM- Doors open for single night pass holders.
9PM- Performances
11PM- 3AM- Social Dancing with International DJs

The Infamous "Free" Trial Lesson

Beware of "FREE" trial lessons! You get what you pay for! Free lessons are not given out of the kindness of a studio's heart, most "free lessons" at dance studios are simply a lure to get you through the door. Much of the lesson is spent convincing you of the benefits of dance as a lifetime hobby and reviewing lengthy and expensive packages for after your wedding. The "free" lesson’s emphasis is not actually on learning to dance or testing out the teacher's style but rather on selling you more lessons. It costs a dance studio tens of thousands of dollars to run their business. Therefore, studios do not give away QUALITY private lessons for free. Therefore, they must recoup their loss on the "FREE" lesson by hiking up the price on any lessons you purchase in the future.

A "FREE" lessons generally consists of 20 minutes of dance instruction (which may not even focus entirely on your actual dancing goals) and the rest of the "lesson" is a sales pitch. Your time is valuable, studios should respect your time by answering all your questions over the phone, by email or on their website. The first sign that a studio is in the higher price bracket is if they refuse to quote you their rates over the phone and/or don't post them on their website. Other studios know each other's prices, so you have to ask yourself...who are they hiding them from? We have heard tearful brides tell us that they can't convince their grooms to take any lessons at all after their awful experience with a "free" trial type of experience elsewhere. If you have to spend your valuable time finding out that a studio is too expensive or doesn't meet your needs or expectations, isn't that already too high a price to pay for a "FREE" lesson?

With us, you can expect answers to all your questions before even walking through our door. The lesson is intensive and focused on your specific needs from the onset. We will even GUARANTEE you an entire wedding dance in ONE :55 minute lesson if you tell us in advance that is all you intend to take. Isn't that better than a "FREE" lesson designed to convince you that you need MORE lessons? Ask the studio if they are willing to make that same guarantee on a "FREE" lesson. Hint: It's impossible to provide the same quality in the industry standard of :40 - :45 minute lessons.