ONG Hu4 FINE CHINESE DINING Nuitosi ow T-19/ 'A wonderful adventure in fine dining" - Danny Raskin Strictly Ballroom Here is a sampling of some Oakland County dance studios that offer among their services group and/or private lessons in tradi- tional ballroom dances. Arthur Murray 811 N. Main Royal Oak (248) 548-4770 Elegance In Motion 5441 Williams Lake Road Waterford (248) 259-6911 Joe Cornell 29623 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield (248) 356-6000 Rhythm N' Shoes 2172 Franklin Road Bloomfield Hills (248) 334-0299 Stardust Ballroom Promenade Plaza 28651 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield (248) 356-5678 Star Trax 24463 W. 10 Mile Road Southfield (248) 263-6300 Troy Dance Studio — East 4963 Rochester Road Troy (248) 689-3393 Troy Dance Studio — West (inside Power House Gym) 6750 Orchard Lake Road West Bloomfield (248) 689-3393 Featuring Gourmet Oriental Cuisine Beginners To Advanced "We like to dance but we have no rhythm," said a young Jewish woman from Birmingham who takes lessons from Reves with her fiance. In order to speak freely, she requested anonymity. Before starting with Reves, the woman said, "I told him on the phone, 'We are completely dys- functional.' And he said, 'Don't worry, I've taught hockey players before, and I can teach you.'" The couple's purpose in going is "to know what to do at our wedding, so we'll look good." But it's not easy for the duo; they take two 50- minute lessons a week. "Maros is so patient. He counts the beats with us. He really works with you," said the bride-to- be. "He started teaching us swing, but that was too advanced for us. Now he's teaching us twirls and side steps — more basic things." As "awesome" as they think Reves is, "after the wedding, we're done," she admits. "We don't need to become big-time dancers." Definitely committed to dance is Susan Chalom of West Bloomfield, a Wayne State University English professor. She had ice skated and enjoyed folk dancing, Spanish flamenco and tap before starting lessons with Reves about two years ago. Chalom said she enjoys social or ballroom dancing because it "gives people a chance to touch or hold in a non-threatening way and to do it to music." She found classes and social dance parties a comfortable way to meet people after her 1998 divorce. After months of classes and private lessons, Chalom participated tin her first dance competi- tion in Phoenix, Ariz. "Competitions are a gas," she said. Though there is that daunting sense of "the judges look- ing at me critically, after the first dance, it is more fun than fear. I get into the music. "I know my routines. I feel really lovely. And the sense of comradeship among the dancers from a studio is incredible." Chalom's favorite dances are the rumba or slow swing. "Each dance has something special about it — like hip movements, flow, flirtation, spins, body-connection — so that the couple dances as one person." Chalom credits Reves "for teaching me how to really follow, how to respond, how to dance with my whole body." Taking part in dance competitions "is only dependent on how much time you want to give" for preparation, said Chalom, who is moving up to the "silver" competitive level this year. It's not her main focus, however. "The lessons are so much fun that, compete or not, I will always dance." ❑ The public opening of Dance Elite Ballroom Studio takes place 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday, July 13, at 6315 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield. For information, call (248) 926-8522, or visit the Web site at wwvv.eliteballroom.com . For more informa- tion on ballroom dancing in Michigan, go to the Web site at vvwvv.DanceMichigan.com. Excellent Lunch and Dinner Selections Complete Menu Carryout 7 Days a Week I a.m.- • Midnight Gift Certificates • Available We Cater To Private Parties 27925 Orchard Lake Road, north of 12 Mile • Farmington Hills 248.489.2280 629180 American Diner meets European Bistro • gourmet weekend brunch specialties NOW OPEN Oadi gwy 670/ of garden patio • complete event planning • corporate functions • outrageoushi original OBlis featuring our 17' grill • weddings - bar/bat mitzvahs • bris fr IAA naming • restaurant available for private parties 23144 modulard ave • 248.390.0444 • unauLgeocities.comItoastferndale rues - fri dam - 3 pm, Weekends.° am - 3 pm • 3 blocks o. of 9 mile, e. side of Woodward The Simone Vgale Band • birth] i (248) 544-7373 Teciching Testing/Evaluation SAb Aral LYNNE MASTER, M. ED Owner, Director !CLINIC Acceitted by the No Central Association of Coleges and Sthools DTI ES First fully accredited Education Clink in the United States to receive North Central Accreditation. (248) 545-6677 (248) 433-3323 Oak Park Bloomfield Hills wwwiddinic.com tz\l‘l 7/12 2002 83