The Place To Be

    You wouldn't think that a little community center in the small town of Monrovia, Ca. would be a hot bed for anything except maybe a rousing night of senior bingo. But lately it has become a hotbed of Southern California line dance activity.
     It all started about six years ago when Gene Morrill wanted to give his students a place to dance the dances he taught them during his weekday classes. A faithful band of loyal dancers soon formed and they could be found there every Friday night dancing the night away. A short while later LouAnn Schemmel and her band of great Orange County ( 60 miles) dancers became part of the regular scene. Jean & Rita from Palmdale ( 70 miles) came after that. Next came Barbara Wilson from Redlands (65 miles), Candy, Moises & Clara from Riverside (55 miles). Soon after that Dan Wilson & Phyliss Tom and their group from the South Bay (55 miles) were making the weekly Friday scene. Not to be outdone, J.P Potter, Janine Van der Molen & Shauna from Ventura ( 100 miles) started making their weekly Friday sojourn. Our latest long distance regular is also the longest. Bracken Ellis & her friend Mae are coming all the way from San Diego (145 miles !! ) to strut their stuff. If you've ever driven even a few miles in Friday L.A. traffic then you know these dancers are are to be commended, or committed!
     Semi-regulars are Paul & Karla Dornstedt from Hemet (80 miles) Patti & Jim Fall from Wrightwood ( 50 miles) DQ Johnson
from Brookings, Oregon ( long ways) & Mark Cosenza & C.J. from Chicago. ( even longer! )
   Such line dance notables as Simon Ward, Bill Bader, Carmel & Ernie Hutchenson, Brian Baraskauscus, John Robinson & even Doris Voltz have all found their way to our Friday night hoe-down.
 It's no wonder that people come from miles around to dance at Gene's. He plays a good mix of the latest and the greatest along with the oldies but goodies & everything in between. Gene works hard to get all the requests in & keep everyone dancing & happy.
  Latley we have had fun by having all the choreographers in attendance come up front & lead us in their dances. J.P. ( Crush, Breathless, Everlast) Janine ( Get That Kick) Dan & Phyliss ( Unchained) LouAnn (Who Can Say) & Sue Parsons ( Got The Feelin' & Hasta Luego)
 Gene's dance is also the land of romance!  It happens to be where I met my beautiful bride-to-be Claudette. We will be the 2nd couple to have met & wed thanks to Gene. There are also 3 other couples who have found Friday fun & romance at Gene's. I don't want to mention any names but one couple is a young D.J./ choreographer from Ventura & the other is a cute young instructor from San Diego. Talk about a long distance romance!!
    So if you're ever in our neck of the woods contact Gene ( 626-359-2996 , gmspecials.com or emorrill@altrionet.com) & stop in & dance with us. We'll be happy to dance your favorites with you.If we don't know them just be ready to give us a quick walk- through & we'll be good to go! And who knows, if you're looking, you just might find someone too!

Tom Araujo