Couples give thanks for holiday dance lessons at Turkey Ball

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Couples danced the night away Friday, at The Ballroom's Turkey Ball.

BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER

Soft music and laughter filled The Ballroom off Hand Avenue in Ormond Beach, as couples danced swing, the waltz and the fox-trot at the dance hall's Turkey Ball.

Though the regulars of this nonprofit organization's events are generally Ormond Beach's older residents, you'd never know it from their energy on the dance floor.

"We fill a need for this age," said Laren Barrett, who works at The Ballroom with owner Ward Case. "It's great for people our age to come, and they're healthy. This is exercise. You have a 76% less chance of getting Alzheimer's by dancing."

John Martino, known for his role as Paulie in "The Godfather," as well as for being a recent contestant in Daytona's Dancing With the Stars, was also present at the Turkey Ball.

Instructor Angela Ionita started dancing with her husband, Viorel, 10 years ago. Before they started teaching dance, they competed in competitions in Michagan and Chicago.

"We always placed on top," said Angela, with a smile.

The couple moved from Michagan to Florida three years ago and they helped build The Ballroom, which moved to its new location earlier this year. Angela said they plan to host mini-competitions early next year.

For a complete list of scheduled dance activities, visit theballroomormondbeach.com.