2008 SSQQ SLOW DANCE AND ROMANCE!

SSQQ 2008 Important Moments

08. Robert Therrell and Debra Malinowski 

Gerry Francis and Amy Adams

Keith Patterson and Penny Gunderson

Patty Pennington and Guy Hoover

Mara Rivas and Bruce Hanka

Olga Bochareva and Luis Castillo

A couple in love; Conquest 2008

This story started out at sea.  Mara Rivas and Bruce Hanka were both aboard our Rhapsody 2002 Cruise sailing all by themselves.  Anyone who has followed the legacy of the many SSQQ romances on our cruises would have bet money they wouldn't be alone for long.  After all, Mara is knockout good-looking and Bruce is clean-cut handsome and that brisk sea air should have done the rest.  Yes, the spark should have happened on that trip, but it didn't.  Cupid even had some help - Mara's friend Joanie kept insisting that Mara pay attention to Bruce.  That's a good-looking man!  And he's single.  Go get him, Mara! 

But Mara kept her distance on that trip.  Well, maybe Mara wasn't ready.  Nevertheless I have a hunch that at some point during that trip Mara at least put Bruce up on her radar board.  We aren't sure what Bruce's side of the story is because he has always been notoriously careful about what he says around me (I wonder why?)  But I guess we can assume Bruce noticed Mara as well.

Although Rhapsody 2002 was the first of many SSQQ cruises for both people, Bruce Hanka had already been a big part of the studio for several years at that point.  In fact, I remember Bruce helping me teach Whip classes during the early 2000s.  It was during one of those classes that Bruce played a very mean trick on me.  I don't believe I have ever forgiven him.

On the other hand, Mara was a relative newcomer in 2002.  She managed an apartment complex in west Houston.  One of Mara's tenants, Joan Tomlinson, and her boyfriend Max Huff had been taking lessons at SSQQ.  The two of them not only talked Mara into taking dance lessons, they also persuaded Mara into coming on the cruise. 

Although Mara resisted hooking up with Mr. Hanka in 2002, she and Marla really hit it off on that trip. Since then, Mara and Marla have been close friends.  As you can see from the picture, at the 2004 Halloween Party both ladies acknowledged that they were definitely the SSQQ M and M's.  

2004 was a special year indeed for these two ladies.  Mara was a huge help to Marla during our wedding aboard the Rhapsody in 2004.  During all the unusual headaches that accompanied our bizarre "Oops Wedding", it was Mara who stayed at Marla's side and kept her from completely losing it.  Speaking of "Oops", the similarity in their names has gotten me in trouble many times.  I will reveal my relationship with my beautiful wife Marla has been strained on more than one occasion when I have accidentally referred to her as "Mara".  Those are the occasions when I get to spend quality time with my three dogs while I sleep on the couch.

The 2004 Rhapsody Cruise was the trip where Mara suggested a good use for all those bottles of champagne that were delivered to each cabin.  The bottles were not getting opened because the majority of the guests on that cruise were not couples.  Two women sharing a cabin didn't feel like opening the bottle.  Two men sharing a cabin didn't feel like opening the bottle.  So Mara suggested that we pool all our champagne bottles together before one of our Formal Nights and have a party.  Good idea!   Everyone got drunk on their butts.  You have no idea how big the smiles were for the camera shots that night!   The people who could stand were dancing and hugging while the people who couldn't stand just sat there laughing with stupid grins on their faces.  A good time was had by all.  That party was such a hit that it started a popular tradition on our subsequent trips.

From 2002 through 2005, Bruce and Mara's paths constantly intertwined at the studio.  Independent of each other, they took many of the same dance classes at SSQQ.  Not only did they dance together at many practice nights, they showed up for many of the same parties.  For example, any casual glance through our Halloween pictures shows that Mara and Bruce were at practically every Halloween party during the 2000s.  With so much in common - cruises, dancing, and costumes - during this time, Bruce and Mara became good friends.

Mara wasn't the only one with the cruise bug.  Bruce loved going on Marla's cruises as well.  Well, if at first you don't succeed, try try again.  Mara and Bruce continued to tempt fate by going on one SSQQ cruise after another.  Figuring they had survived the 2002 Trip with their hearts intact, they probably figured they had some sort of romantic immunity.  Wrong; I am sure it was a near miss. 

So now they began to defy the odds.  Oblivious to the romantic danger that accompanies all of our Love Boat Cruises, both Bruce and Mara went on our Jubilee 2003 Cruise, but not together.  They both went on our Rhapsody 2004 Wedding Cruise, but not together.  And they both went on our Rita Rhapsody 2005 Cruise, but not together.  You can dodge one bullet, you can dodge two bullets, but if you keep exposing yourself to danger, someday the Love Bug is going to hit you. 

Obviously these two romantic turtles had a slow start, but eventually that potent SSQQ Love Boat Magic took effect.  And then it happened.  Unbeknownst to anyone in our group, the sparks had begun to fly.  First a simmer, then a boil, then it was time to stir things up and make turtle soup together.  Yum!

In retrospect, it was inevitable.  They had so much in common that it was just a matter of time.  It was probably the 2005 Rhapsody Cruise that pushed them over the edge.  My hunch is both people are careful with their hearts.  But in the end, they had spent so much time cruising together, sooner or later they had to bump into each other with their guard down! 

Sure enough, during the Christmas Holidays of 2005, Bruce and Mara became more than friends.  As I mentioned, Marla and I had front row seats.  Mara Rivas was a guest for dinner at our house on Christmas evening 2005.  As everyone sat down for dinner, Mara could hardly sit still.  While the rest of our guests could barely wait for the wonderful meal that Marla had prepared, I couldn't help but notice her best friend Mara was clearly preoccupied.  Her body was there, but her mind was someplace else. I asked Marla what the story was, but Marla didn't know either. She knew Mara had 'big plans' for later in the evening, but the details were a big secret.  Mara was clearly up to something, but what could it be?

Two days later, Mara and Marla had lunch.  That's when Mara spilled the beans.  She and Bruce were officially an item! 

Bruce and Mara have never been apart since.  By the time the 2006 Rhapsody Cruise rolled around, they weren't cruising solo any longer.  For our wonderful 2007 Hawaii Cruise, they were together.  And the same goes for the 2008 Conquest Cruise. In fact, the picture on the left was taken during our 2008 Conquest Cruise.  Don't they look great together?

Mara and Bruce did have an odd twist in their three year courtship - in Summer 2008 Bruce bought Mara a house before buying her a ring.  Interesting.  Inwardly I groaned because it reminded me of an old joke. "I'm so sick of getting divorced, from now on I'm just going to find a woman, skip the ring and give her a house instead."  Of course I had the sense not to tell them that joke since neither of them think I am very funny to begin with.  Keeping my thoughts to myself, it seemed like their romance was still moving at the speed of turtle. 

I was wrong.  To my surprise, the house thing seemed to get the ball rolling.  Everything fell into place at once.  During a trip to New York in October 2008, Bruce proposed.  Rumor has it that Mara would have preferred this moment somewhat sooner, but that's none of my business.  We all know both of these guys are kind of slow to the punch.  They should have got it going on the 2002 Rhapsody Cruise when they had the chance!  

But now that they had gotten around to it, things happened fast.  Incredibly, after three years of slow poking, they were tired of wasting time.  After their October engagement announcement, a couple weeks later they threw a house warming party.  Then two short months later, Bruce and Mara had their wedding on Saturday, December 27.  Surely somewhere in the background, At Last had to be playing on the jukebox.  Wham Bam Shazaam!  And just like that, it was House, Ring, Hear Etta Sing.

Bruce and Mara had their wedding ceremony in their new home.  It was a small wedding limited to family.  Afterwards they had their reception in their home as well.  Marla and I enjoyed spending a wonderful night with Bruce and Mara as well as with friends from the studio including Steve Gabino, Vivian Gustafson, Kurt and Jean Wind, Phyllis Porter, Patty Harrison, Senor Smile Joe Lachner, Milt Oglesby, and Dee Medina plus everyone I forgot.  

Although I am sure Mara and Bruce would rather I didn't say anything, I believe they were a little bit embarrassed to have their family meet our SSQQ group.  You see, they put us all in a room at the very back of the house complete with a dinner table just for us.  Then they closed the door "so we could eat in privacy".  Furthermore, rather than let us roam around and mingle with the other guests, they periodically sent a nice young man from Ninfa's Catering into the room with orders to refill our margarita glasses.  They figured that would keep us occupied.  And they were right!  Tequila had its usual effect.

Oh did we talk!  With a nice assist from Margaritaville, we had the most entertaining conversation all night long!  We talked about Bruce and Mara (of course), we talked about how Phyllis came to be so famous on our cruise trips, we talked about how Kurt and Jean were high school sweethearts, we talked about the Scarlet Woman from the 2006 Cruise, we talked about Steve's decision to go bald for a while even though he had plenty of hair, and we talked about Milt's days as a musician in the military band.  We talked way into the night.  We had just the best time! 

Meanwhile Bruce and Mara took turns unlocking the door and popping in to say hi to us.  One of our favorite conversations revolved around how Bruce likes to use his beautiful daughters to play tricks on people.  During Halloween 2002, Bruce invited his daughter Kristin to come with him as his 'date'.  She was about 21 at the time.  Dressed in a skin tight Catwoman outfit, Kristin was way more than merely hot.  She was supernova good-looking.  We just kept staring at the two of them wondering what the story could be. Every man at the party was astounded that a middle-aged guy like Bruce could come up with a babe like Kristin as his date.  Was she a paid escort?   Meanwhile Bruce knew full well the effect his daughter was having, but he wasn't talking.  Bruce was having too much fun, so he kept his cards close.  It wasn't till late in the night that Bruce confessed this beautiful young lady was really his daughter!  

As you can tell from these stories, our new power couple enjoys having a joke or two at other people's expense.  Sure enough, all night long Bruce and Mara's ploy worked to perfection.  We were so drunk we couldn't really move if we wanted to.  So we just sat contentedly in our seats for hours on end and yapped away.  Then late in the night when all the important guests had left, Bruce and Mara unlocked the door to allow us to spend time with them while they opened wedding gifts. 

Hmm.  First they didn't invite us to the wedding.  Then they hid us in the back.  It was so bad we had to ask permission to go to the restroom!  We may have been drunk, but we got the message - you know, Bruce and Mara met through the studio so we were the people you feel obligated to invite.  We understood loud and clear that dancers have about as much social status as gypsies, tramps and thieves, maybe even less.  God forbid the Dance Cult be turned loose on the respectable guests. 

So why were we even invited?  Good question.  Then we saw Mara open a present.  Some of the most beautiful crystal appeared before our eyes!  Wow. That was a spectacular gift!  Even the Magi would be hard-pressed to match the caliber of this loot.  As we watched the magnitude of the gifts that Mara unwrapped, now we knew!  We were probably the only people they knew who still had jobs and could afford decent presents.

So what if we were the riffraff?   We didn't care.  Even though Bruce and Mara were clearly embarrassed to let their family know they had friends like 'us', we loved them so much that we really didn't mind a bit.  We were so happy to share this special moment with our new SSQQ Wedding Couple!

And did I mention how beautiful Mara looked that night?  She was stunning. 

So now it is time for Mara and Bruce to cruise off into the sunset together.  Oh, one more thing before I forget.  I have a little piece of advice for Bruce... if you want to be happy for the rest of your life, don't ever call her "Marla".

From: Charley Denton
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 11:19 AM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: Jo and Jack got married this last Saturday

Hi Rick....just got this letter from Jo
 

Hi Charley, I don't get to see everyone very often with not dancing quiet as much but Jack's recovery is coming along great and he's starting back to dance some, so hopefully we'll be attending more gatherings before long. In the meantime we wanted to let the group know we got married this past Saturday, November 29th. Just a quiet simple ceremony with family. Hope to see everyone soon. Jo & Jack

 

Rick Archer's Note: Jo Anne Wilson has been a dance assistant now for both me and my wife Marla for well over a year.  Jack and Jo announced their engagement a year ago.  They both joined us for this year's Summer Dance Cruise.  I guess that trip worked some magic because just a few months later they tied the knot.

Congratulations!

 RICK ARCHER'S NOTE: Pam and Andrew were married on August 2nd

-----Original Message-----
From: andrew laham
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 12:46 AM
To: 'Rick Archer'
Subject: congratulations!

Hi Rick!   Its been an overwhelming past year or so with no rest for the weary.

Pam was very patient with me keeping up with her and parenting duties on top of a crazy work regimen. My daughter just graduated from high school, so there was (and continues to be) a lot of effort on getting prepped for college. At the same time that I was so wrapped up in parent duties, Pam was taking a post doctoral certification that required a lot of report writing and powerpoint presentations. And of course my duties with orchestra parents association and continuing the major structural renovations to my house that I have been in progress on for 2 and a half years.

Anyway, we are going to take a nice honeymoon and family building trip.

Then when we get back, its off to college for my daughter, and back to school for my son. Pam "retired" at the end of this past school year, however she has been hired back on a contract basis 3 days a week. So everyone will be occupied... except for me!  I am going to take a long hiatus, finish the house repairs, recover from stress and exhaustion, and then check off some items from my "bucket list". Were hoping that we might be able to start dancing again on a regular basis later this year.

We'll send some pic's when we get them!   -Andrew

On Saturday, July 12th, Gary and Tracy made it official before a crowd of 150 guests. 

Gary and Tracy have been an integral part of SSQQ for many years now.  They are an incredibly popular couple for many, many reasons.

What made the wedding so special was the incredible number of people past and present from SSQQ.  The entire guest list read like 'who's who' here at the studio.  And there were many more people from the studio who were invited but never even got their invitation (a source of great frustration to the Bride and Groom, I might add).

It was indeed quite an SSQQ Family Affair.  Counting Mr. and Mrs. Hat, there were ten couples in attendance who met their spouse or spouse-to-be at SSQQ.  There were six more couples who met their Significant Others at the studio.  

In addition, there several others in attendance who aren't talking yet who were there as well!  (and you know who you are).   In other words, the famous SSQQ Reputation for Slow Dance and Romance Magic was clearly on display!

Have I ever told the story how Gary and Tracy got engaged?  Gary intended to pop the question on the 2006 SSQQ New England cruise.  Gary had the ring in his pocket as they went to the airport.  Did he ever gulp when he and Tracy got to the security checkpoint at the airport - he could not get that ring through without the metal detector going off!   Thinking quick, somehow Gary managed to slip the ring onto Tracy's key chain.  He then put her keys back in her pocketbook which then went through the metal detector.  And that's where the ring stayed until it was time for Gary to make his move!  Tracy was absolutely flabbergasted to discover her engagement ring had sat in her purse for several days without her ever knowing!

SSQQ Guests at Gary and Tracy's Wedding (note: List is not yet complete)

1. MG and Gay Anseman
2. Gary and Cheryl Davis
3. Heather, Valarie, Kimberly and Amanda Schweinle
4. Dee Medina and Mike Friedberg
5. Marlane Kayfres and Jim Colby
6. Peggy McElroy
7. Wayne Corbitt and Linda Fleischer
8. Sue Brown and Neil Jones
9. Aisha Currie and Greg May
10. Andy Regnier
11. Marcia Thomas
12. Fran Zandstra and Gus Donnell
13. Phyllis Porter (aka Trouble)
14. Diana Kennedy
15. Betsy Petersen
16. Patty Harrison and Joe Lachner
17. Nick Giara and Pat Wright
18. Pat and Jess Carnes
19. Jerry and Vicki Latour
20. Pat and Kent Mahaffey
21. Nancy and John Reese
22. Carmen Wilhite
23. Leroy Ginzel
24. Louis and Gloria Romero
25. George Sargeant (Mr. Handsome)
26. Keith and Betty Baker
27. Joy Al-Jazwali
28. Robert Friske and Amanda Hodges
29. Bill and Barbara Moore
30. Susan Allen

31. Tim and Bryan Crist
32. Judy and Bill Collins
33. Penny Gunderson and Keith Patterson
34. Nina Rutiaga and Ed Sanchez
35. Susan Burdette, Andy Bach, Mary Cioffi, Sherry Thornton
36. Cyndi Kellermeyer and Ed Davis
37. Caitlin Prescott
38. Linda and Bill Holden
39. Guy Breland
40. Julie Wolf
41. Mike Ruland
42. Bob Ham
43. Sandy and Larry McLeod
44. Michael Wolf
45. Wendy and Jim Felker
46. Rick and Marla Archer
47. Steve Gabino
48. Martin and Michelle Houk
49. Jeanne Tobin and Casey Jones
50. Judy Walsh
51. Phillip Liggett
52. Tom Berwick
53. Larry and Debra Hill
54. Nancy Schweinle
55. John Safros and Jenny DeLaFuente
56. Randa Wynn
57. Penney Warren and Tim Bailey
58. Leslie Schweinle
59. Manny and Michelle Angulo
60. Gary and Betty Richardson

It is no surprise that Gary and Tracy's Guest List was so huge.  They have made so many friends here at the studio over the years.

For example, every Sunday Gary and Tracy help their friend MG Anseman teach his western class here at the studio along with Gary and Cheryl Davis (another SSQQ couple). 

The role of a Volunteer is important.  While the instructor shows students what to do, it is the Volunteers who give personal instruction as people rotate through the circle. Over the years, Gary and Tracy have helped so many people get their confidence.  Many of the people in the audience actually met Gary and Tracy in dance class.

Gary and Tracy are annual fixtures on the SSQQ Halloween Best Costume list.  They always wear fabulous outfits.

Furthermore Gary and Tracy are a big part of every SSQQ Cruise Trip.  In addition to two solo trips by Gary, together Gary and Tracy have been on seven SSQQ trips.  That is quite an accomplishment!  Nor do they keep a low profile.  I can attest the noisiest and happiest table on every trip is the one that Tracy and Gary are at!

Over the years, Gary has told me several times that he enjoys helping at SSQQ because the studio once helped him and his lovely daughter Kim through a very tough time in their lives.  I don't feel comfortable going into details, but suffice it to say that both Dad and Daughter were still in a lot of pain when they walked through our doors in 2002.

To this day, Gary continues to express his gratitude to the people who were kind to him and kind to his daughter during that tough time.  And the kindness made a difference!  Slowly but surely the dancing and camaraderie started the healing process.  Gary and Kim would drive all the way from Baytown several nights a week, but they always went home happier for the experience. 

Today Kim is a beautiful young woman who is not only a gifted and graceful dance champion several times over, but preparing to graduate with a degree in nursing.  Gary could not be more proud of her! 

And Gary cheered up as well.  He was the life of the party until a special lady named Tracy came into his life.  That's when Gary began to settle down a bit and move into his current role as one of the finest leaders this studio has ever seen... and Tracy was right there beside him.

It is important for me to say this without seeming to boast - there is a Community at SSQQ that literally looks out for one another.  We are not a church group and we are not a singles group.  Our group has no official title or stated goals.  But we are a definitely a group of people who have grown unusually close to each other over the years.  We have become a Family of Friends, no question about it.

And it is true that many of the people here do a quiet form of social work that is absolutely wonderful.  Gary and Tracy and Kimberly have not only benefitted from this warmth, they have turned around and returned the favor by helping others here at the studio many times over. 

We are so fortunate to have this wonderful couple share their lives with us.   I guess you can say I am definitely taking my hat off to my friends Mr. and Mrs. Hat!

Glenn and Marissa's Wedding
Story written by Rick Archer

Marissa Gorzynski married Glenn Hebert on June 8, 2008.

I had the pleasure of walking Marissa down the aisle.  It was a great honor for me to be included in my step-daughter's amazing wedding.

Marissa is my wife Marla's only child.  Marla raised Marissa single-handedly since her daughter was seven.  It was Mom and Marissa against the world for 18 years. 

Although I have known Marissa since 2001 when I first met her mother, she left for her Freshman year at Texas State University almost immediately.

My first real chance to get to know Marissa was at my wedding ceremony back in September 2004.  She was kind to me and thanked me profusely for marrying her mother.  She said she was especially glad she didn't have to worry any more when her mother grew old because Marla had me now.  I think Marissa was only half-kidding.

I have only really gotten to know Marissa in the last three years since she graduated from college.  In this time I have been perpetually amazed at the powerful relationship between Marla and Marissa.  I have never seen two closer people in my life.  Although they play mother-daughter roles occasionally, most of the time they are each other's best friends.  Their relationship has been delightful to watch.

Marissa is a very talented young lady.  I don't have to tell you how pretty she is.  The picture handles that end of it nicely.  Did I mention she graduated Summa Cum Laude from college?  Marissa is one of the hardest working, most conscientious people I have ever known.  She gets it from her mother.   Marla did quite a job raising her daughter.

Glenn and Marissa's Wedding
Story written by Samantha Archer, Rick's daughter

GETTING TO KNOW GLENN AND MARISSA

If you had asked me four years ago how many people were in my family, I'd have said three: my Mom, my Dad, and myself.  While I'm not including the dogs, I'm completely serious.  

As clans go, we were small.

For the first thirteen years of my life, my family tree did not consist of sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.  

Most of my friends had sisters and brothers they were close with, aunts and uncles they liked to tell stories about, and cousins they enjoyed spending their summers with.  

But with me, it had always been just Mom and Dad.  We didn't have a family tree; we had a family triangle.

Sam, Rick, Marissa, Glenn, Marla

-----Original Message-----
From: Crystal Davenport
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:47 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: wedding announcement

Hi Rick,
 
Sorry it has taken me so long to get you these pics.  These are the friends I told you about that met in your Dance classes.  Their names are James Requenez and Melissa (Wilkes) Requenez. 

Melissa joined your dance classes to get away from the stresses of Medical School and met James there in 2004. 

They were just married April 5th 2008, and now live in Denver, Colorado.  She is in Residency for psychiatry and he works as a computer programmer.  They are very happy together and have your class to thank for it!

Bob Therrell and Debra Malinowski were married on Saturday, March 29  (I think).  Last week I was at the studio and someone told me "Bob and Debra got married over the weekend".   And that's how a lot of weddings around here get announced!

I didn't have my camera handy, so I took it to Whip class on Monday, April 7, and asked if I could take their picture.  Thank goodness they said yes. 

Bob and Debra are supremely graceful dancers.  They have a secret - they practice!  You might see them practicing all night long at the studio.  Bob and Debra are experts at Western Swing and East Coast Swing and well on their way to mastering West Coast Swing as well. 

I cannot remember a couple I know less about.  Even though Debra has taken 40 classes over the years and Bob is around 30 classes, there is a real air of mystery about Bob and Debra.  You see, they are quiet people.  They are also nearly inseparable.  This means I can't sneak in and get the inside scoop on their story.  It isn't that they are "private", but they don't go around tooting their horn either.

As you can see, Debra is a Susan Sarandon lookalike. Bob and Debra are so attractive together.  In addition, they are one of the most perfectly matched couples I have ever seen.   When I watch them on the floor, they look like they could be brother and sister.  Make a point to watch them dance some night - Bob and Debra are so good! 

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer
To: amy giles
Sent: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:43 am
Subject: Mack and Amy Warren

Hi Amy!

Any details you want to add for the newsletter? Where did you go for your honeymoon?

By the way, Have I ever told you how pretty you are?

 

-----Original Message-----
From: amy giles
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:31 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Re: Mack and Amy Warren


Rick.... you flirt! Yes, you have!

Here's the picture you requested. It's fun and casual and I think captures how very truly happy we are together.

We were married January 5th in a very small but beautiful ceremony in Baytown. The next day, we boarded the Voyager of the Seas for a 7-day cruise with 6 other couples who dance. On the first day, we were concerned that there were no decent dance floors.... we have been spoiled on the Rhapsody. But then, we found out that they put a wooden floor over the ice rink for dancing on Country & Western night! Mack and I took the floor early before the band got there and did all our favorite moves. We didn't realize we had an audience until we heard their applause! What fun!

We've been dancing happily together now for almost 4 years and will for the rest of our lives together... thanks to SSQQ. We met in Beginning Western Swing and started dating when Vicky Harris (an early classmate and now great friend) starting pushing us towards each other. We have on many occasions and will again recommend SSQQ as a fun, safe place to learn the right way to dance, to make good friends and... to find true romance.

Amy

-----Original Message-----
From: Leroy Ginzel
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 12:22 PM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: manny and michelle

I saw Manny Angulo & Michelle Crossley at a Super Bowl party last night. I asked Manny when the big day was coming. He said the it WAS

Yesterday, ( Saturday) with only close family invited.

Congratulations to Brit Davis and Melisa Melios who were married in January.

Brit and Melisa took three Western classes last summer at SSQQ, then switched over to private lessons with Jack Benard and Linda Cook to get ready for their wedding dance.

Here is a letter sent to Linda:

"Jack and Linda, Thanks to no small effort on both of your parts, our wedding dance went beautifully!!  

Everyone was super impressed with our twirling and twostepping... oh wait, I mean polka-ing (is that a word?) ;-)

Thanks, and see you soon. Brit & Melisa"

Judging from the pictures, their first dance was quite a hit!

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Anderson
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 2:30 PM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: Jeff and Lisa

Hi Rick, Lisa and I had an awesome wedding. I have pasted the link and info below. If there’s some you’d like copies of I’ll be glad to send them. We got the rights to the photos so we can copy and send them to anyone.

Wedding Picture Info: http://www.original-images.com/

Our Ballroom was totally beautiful as I’m sure you’ll see. Our first dance was the Foxtrot and during the Father Daughter Dance, I cut in (at the father’s request) and Lisa and I two stepped to My Wish by Lonestar. She still spins pretty!

Our honeymoon was in Jackson Hole, WY. Lisa had never seen snow so we decided to go there. It was beautiful and we had a great time. We went on a 20 mile dogsled ride, a 90 mile snowmobile ride, tubing, sleigh riding, etc. etc. The weather was cold and beautiful. Usually about 0 degrees. But we dressed warm and it was fine. Lisa’s ready to go again. It was so fun seeing snow through the eyes of someone who’s never seen it before!

-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Lee
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 1:50 PM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: Wendy Zhang Weds

Hi Rick,  Wendy and I married on New Year's Eve, 2007.

We met in Sharon Crawford's advanced western waltz class in July 2001. The first night, when we rotated partners and I got Wendy, I knew I would like to dance with her more than just about anyone. But, I never thought we would go out together. How things change.

In late August 2006, Wendy and I went ring shopping. Wendy told the jewelers what she wanted and we went to have a Chinese lunch while they created and sized the ring.

At about the same time, JetBlue ran an ad announcing their new service out of Hobby airport. The airline said that you could fly anywhere in their system, roundtrip, for the price of a barrel of oil - at that time about $72. I bought tickets for Labor Day weekend to Niagara Falls. Wendy called this trip our "proposal-moon."

As for a honeymoon, well, we just keep procrastinating. But we have some ideas.

Thanks to you and your studio for our happy marriage.

Best, Roger and Wendy

Rick Archer's Note:  Roger and Wendy announced their engagement in September 2006.

Wendy told me she knew Roger for three years before they ever went out together.   By the time they began seeing each other, they had already been friends for quite a while.

It was their mutual love of Waltz that cemented the bond between them.  As Roger pointed out in his email letter, they met in Sharon (Crawford) Shaw's Waltz class seven years ago.  Since then, the two of them have put in many hours on the dance floor perfecting their Waltz together. 

Indeed, Roger and Wendy are so smooth on the dance floor, they have become arguably SSQQ's premier Waltz couple.  Not since the days of John Jones, the gentleman who helped popularize Waltz here at the studio, have I seen a couple demonstrate this kind of ability.  Roger and Wendy are really a treat to watch.  I know because I love to watch them myself all the time!  I definitely admire their accomplishment.

I was kind of surprised to find out it took Wendy and Roger two months to get around to tell me they had gotten married.  After all, I see both of them practically every Sunday and Friday each week.   Once the cat was out of the bag, Wendy pulled me aside.  Never at a loss for words, Wendy said she deeply appreciated my dance studio for helping to create her marriage.  Wendy made it clear that she knew Roger was a good man because "no man on earth can fake being nice for seven years!"   We both smiled.   That is one of the advantages of meeting people here at the studio - you get to know people first as friends.  That's a really good place to start.