Dancing Diehards

Welcome to the Solivita Dancing Diehards Club!                                

We are an informal group of Solivita Residents who share a common interest in American and Rhythm Style ballroom dancing.  The Club’s mission is to help members learn, practice, and perform various ballroom dances. Club goals are: for its members to participate in dances while making new friendships with fellow students, learn and practice without fear and judgement, and to promote physical and mental benefits of ballroom dancing, such as increased fitness, cognitive function, and stress relief. 

Joining the Club is easy—you must be a Solivita Resident and request to be added to our mailing list, Diehardsdancing@gmail.com.  If you attend the Thursday ballroom dance class offered by the Solivita Health & Wellness Department you will automatically be added to the membership unless you inform the instructor or any board member of the Club that you wish to opt out.  Currently, no dues is required, just be willing to learn and have fun!

Volunteer Dancing Diehards Club Board Members

President: Laurie Neider
Vice-President: Lisa Patti
Treasurer: Mark Petrycki
Administrator/Communications:  Jeanne Mulkeen – Dieharddancers@gmail.com

In The Know

Members are kept “In the Know” via email about the Club’s events, such as the Annual Semi-Formal Ball, the Solivita Ballroom Dance Class Schedule, and other Club and dance related activities. 

Save The Date:  The Annual Semi-Formal Ball will be held on March 29, 2026 in the Solivita Ballroom

Solivita Ballroom Dance Classes - sponsored by the Solivita Health & Wellness Department – Palms Fitness Center

These classes are held on Thursday and taught by Mary Ladish, a professional ballroom dance Instructor, in a five-week session format, with two weeks off between the sessions.  Club members are notified of class schedules while nonmembers must check with the Solivita Fitness Center for class schedules.  Each class currently costs $3 per person/class.  You do not have to be a Dancing Diehards Club member to attend.   Here is a sample of the dance styles that have been taught in the past on a rotational basis:

Smooth Style – Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango
Rhythm Style – Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Bolero, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing
Social Dances – Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Night Club 2-Step, Hustle

Beginner Class:  2:00 PM
Intermediate Class: 3:00 PM (prior dance experience is strongly recommended)
Workshop: 4:00 PM (prior dance experience is strongly recommended)

Voluntary Practice Sessions – Riviera Aerobic Studio – Instruction by Mark & Joanie Petrycki, and other experienced Club members, the purpose of the practice session is to reinforce and review the material covered in the Thursday ballroom dance classes.  Only Solivita Residents who attend the Thursday classes can attend the voluntary practice sessions.

Held on most Sundays:

Beginner practice session – 1:30 PM
Intermediate practice session – 2:30 PM

Links:

National Dance Organization:  http://usadance.org