New Year, new beginnings at the Hayloft Barn

For starters, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your unwavering support of the Hayloft. Albeit changes have been set in place, the Hayloft will continue to be a place where you can dance your favorites. Unfortunately our regular Friday night line dancing is not covering expenses. I've managed to keep the doors open albeit it was not cost effective to run Friday nights for the few that showed up. The Hayloft Barn spends a small fortune heating and cooling the barn. Although we have our regular Hayloft dancers on Fridays, more often than not, turnout is low .We have hung in there for four years and the Steppers have been great. But the barn cannot continue to operate at a loss; if line dancing cannot maximize rental fees then some other dance organization will. We (myself and associates) aim to KEEP FRIDAYS OPEN but cannot do it without change and thus changes have been set in place.

~~Here's the plan –

Starting March 2008 In an effort to keep line dance at the Hayloft we ( myself and associates) have decided to dedicate 3 Fridays of the month to the beginners (starters), low intermediate and senior dancers. There is a huge local interest in line dance but they do not have a place where they can learn and practice. We will be targeting the towns of Southbridge, Sturbridge, Dudley, Brimfield and the Brookfields. We will be conducting workshops, reviews and open dance from 6 PM – 10PM. Anyone is welcome to these workshops but they need to keep in mind that they are geared toward the lower level dancers. Fee is $42 for 6 weeks - or pay as you go $10 per session.

~~The GOOD NEWS!! The last Friday of the month will be an "ANYTHING goes" Friday night dance Albeit everyone is welcome, it is geared toward the advanced dancer and run from 6:30 til' midnight – cost $10.

Dance has donated his time to the Barn for over 3 years and has agreed to DJ at our monthly Fridays when he can.

~~Hours: STARTING THIS FRIDAY – JAN 11 The Hayloft Barn will open for dancing From 6PM – 11:00PM. Lessons at 7pm and 8pm. Will email more details later. Fee $10 –includes coffee and goodies; feel free to bring your own beverages or goodies – soda and water available at 1$

Our Annual events will remain intact - no changes. I will be sending out an email re NELOL as soon as the majority of the ladies are confirmed.

It has been a pleasure to dance alongside you and to host our Friday nights. I guess you all know how much I love teaching and it has been a joy teaching you - and I hope to continue dancing along with you - if not at the Barn, then somewhere on the dance floor.

Hugs and love to all and remember to dance while you can.

-- It doesn't matter what or where you dance, just as long as you dance. Dance while you can. Dancin' til I drop - Forty Forty Arroyo