The Romance of Dance

Mr. Night has conquered the realms of competitive whispering, Viking trivia and sport drinking, and now only one challenge remains: ballroom dancing. Sadly, Night has the grace of a Virginia ham (and a not-dissimilar aroma). Can even the terminally clumsy learn to dance? Elena Lyashenko believes it can be done, and she has 25 years of experience in the world of competitive dance to back up her belief. Lyashenko leads weekly classes in beginning ballroom dancing at the Mahler Ballroom (4915 Washington Boulevard; 314-361-4411) starting this evening. Arrive at 7 p.m. for lessons in the waltz, foxtrot and tango; the second hourlong class begins at 9 p.m. and covers cha-cha, rumba and salsa. Formalwear is not required, and neither is a partner. Classes cost $10 each, and it's a pay-as-you-go proposition — so if you discover that you are a hopeless, ham-smelling monstrosity incapable of being helped by Ms. Lyashenko, you can just stop going to class. But quitters never win, and winners know how to trip the light fantastic.
Mondays, Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m., 2007