Music will be blasting, bodies will be shimmying and the strobe lights will be out in full force. The only thing that separates this dance from the rest is what’s being served at the bar.
Ardiss Fenske’s first husband was an alcoholic. Last summer’s drunk driving tragedies, that saw three teenagers die in the Hanmer area, broke her heart. And she cares about getting enough exercise to stay healthy.
That’s why her and her husband Merv Aho decided to host alcohol-free dances.
“People can dance for the health of it,” she said.
The first of what she hopes to be many dances is scheduled for June 4 at the Wahnapitae Community Center from 8:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. Admission to the dance is free.
The bar will be open, but instead of serving alcoholic drinks, it will serve soda, tea and juice. A light lunch will also be served at 11 p.m.
Dancing is our drug.
Ardiss Fenske,
co-ordinator, alcohol-free dances
Fenske said she hopes the alcohol-free dance will give couples an opportunity to get out and get moving, and give singles the chance to meet and interact with other singles, without having to worry about the influences of alcohol.
Aho has been a DJ for numerous years, and Fenske has worked alongside him at many functions. When smoking in public places was still legal, the couple hosted well-attended smoke-free dances. They also have experience running singles-only dances.
Even though the dance is alcohol-free, Fenske said it is still geared towards adults.
Fenske said Aho will play a variety of tunes at the dance, catering to all ages and musical tastes.
With all his professional sound and lighting equipment in the hall, the stage is set for an evening of fun.
“It’s a great dance atmosphere,” Fenske said.
Fenske said she hopes more and more people will attend each dance to experience the benefits of it without the risks associated with alcohol.
“Dancing is our drug,” Fenske said.
