Shall we dance?

Opera House lessons get you off your feet

Feel like dancing this summer? Find your inner swing and foxtrot during dance lessons in the Napa Valley Opera House Cafe Theatre Saturday when dance veterans Angie Major and Patrick Gallineaux teach the two styles.

The instruction is followed by dancing for all. Admission is $25, and the ticket price includes one free non-alcoholic beverage. 

The first of these dance lessons, which covered the waltz and rumba, drew a varied crowd of singles and couples,  from high school students to one lady of a certain age, who shared her experiences dancing as a Rockette and, incidentally, kissing Elvis Presley.

The elegant Major and Gallineaux, looking like competitors from Dancing with the Stars, glided about the  room, demonstrating the steps and making them look sublimely easy. When the students took to the floor to try them, the two instructors were there as well, changing partners, keeping everyone one their toes and moving.

Major began teaching dance in the North Bay in 1995 and received her teaching degree in the American-style dances from the Terpsichore Association, the United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and Dance Vision International Dance Association. She joined the Metronome Dance Center in 1999, teaching the rhythm (American style Latin) classes, as well as private lessons and group classes in all styles of dance. In 2003, Major danced a featured role in “Swing, the Movie” and also danced in KQED’s “Big Band Magic.” Currently she competes in the Professional American Style Rhythm with her partner Gallineaux. 

Gallineaux, a New York native who grew up in his family dance studio, later performed in shows on cruise ships, theme parks,and regional musical theatre productions across the country.  He has danced on television for MTV/VH1 productions and has choreographed an original production for three-time Oscar winning composer Ray Evans. His favorite stage roles to date include Riff in “West Side Story,” and the dance captain for “Victor/Victoria.” He was most recently seen as a Wickersham in “Seussical, the Musical” in San Francisco. He can be seen in the nationwide release of the film “24 Hours on Craigslist.” Gallineaux teaches ballroom dance and frequently can be found at the Metronome Dance Center in San Francisco.

Bop Till You Drop

Napa Valley Opera House

Saturday, July 7

8 p.m. $25

Reservations: 226-7372 or www.nvoh.org

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