Learn to dance like the stars

Wish you could dance like the contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance?" and "Dancing with the Stars?" No time like now to learn.

Larry Ward, who has 52 years experience in dance choreography and teaching, including time in Los Angeles with the Hollywood types, has a series of ballroom dance classes coming up in Carson City. Ward, who is well-known as a square dance teacher and caller, also taught dance in China and Sweden before moving to Carson City eight years ago to be close to family.

Fall is a good time to start a dance class, Ward says. It's inside, so the weather isn't an issue and it's great exercise.

"In the classes I'm going to do, you can burn 1,300 calories," Ward said.

New registrations for Beginners Adult Ballroom Dancing class will be taken Oct. 5-12 for classes to meet at 7:15-9:15 p.m. Mondays through March 22 (no class Nov. 30 or Dec. 28).

The beginning class covers swing, cha-cha, waltz, Texas two step, tango, fox trot, and East Coast Swing.

Advanced Ballroom Dancing classes are every Thursday beginning Oct. 8 and continue through March 25 (no classes Nov. 26, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31).

Advanced classes include extended swing, salsa, rumba, pasodable and couple country dancing as well as more advanced moves and practice in cha-cha, tango, and waltz.

Both series of 22-week courses cost $8 per person per class. Coffee and cookies are served.

The classes meet at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center at 911 Beverly Drive in Carson City. For more information, call Larry Ward at 775-461-0474.