It seems that the months are just whizzing by, gosh, it's May already. I hope you had a wonderful Easter or Passover last month. Many of you were able to get away during the Easter break for a mini- vacation visiting family & friends. Others of you attended one of the two West Coast Swing Events up in Seattle or in Dallas. And yet for some, it wasn't the Easter egg hunts and family dinner, but the holding of a loved one's hand while ill. Sometimes making the best of what is, is the best we can do and by thinking positive thoughts, keeping the energy high and believing, even though it can be so draining. We are very lucky to have family & friends to be there when we need them and to join us in our celebrations.

With acting props, Lisa's director's chair & megaphone, clapboards and action incentives around the room, many of you came to celebrate our Fourth Year Anniversary "And.Action" April Party & Dance last month. Having just returned from an engagement in New York City, Actress Jude Narita came and performed her teenager piece from her one-woman show, "Passion, Song for a Sansei" for us. It was quite funny and I know some of you admitted to me you could relate. Most of us have had teenagers, yet, the message to be strong, bend with the wind, like bamboo, only to return stronger, I wonder how many of you thought about yourself and your life. Thanks Jude for taking time out of your busy schedule to come perform (without your lighting or sound) for us.

Also in attendance were Ron & Tyoni Martin, owners of the US Open Swing Dance Championships to raffle off tickets to their November event and they brought pizza for everyone. Driving in from Bakersfield, they had also attended Skippy's workshop that afternoon and thank you Skippy for letting your group know about our party, too.

We had other generous raffle prizes from Gene of Macaroni Grill in Huntington Beach, who donated two $25.00 gift certificates and Paul from Sam Ash Music Stores also donated two $25.00 gift certificates. Sonny & Robert, instructors at Avant Garde, both donated a private dance lesson and Jack donated two passes to his OCWCSDC dance. We also raffled off Champagne, Sees Chocolate, group classes, a free Dance-Today Dance Club Membership, a private dance lesson with me and $$$$. Thank you all very much for your donations to make our raffle great and all of you who buy the tickets to WIN those great prizes.

I suppose the highlight of the evening was the birthday dance where all you women got to wish Eric a Happy Birthday and dance with him. Lynda & I were also wished a Happy Birthday and we had our share of just as many happy men (big smile). Thank you Jamie for your great brownies, Madeleine for all the chocolate Easter eggs and Manny & Carolyn for the homemade cookies. And thanks to those who make our dance the best around, Aaron & Lynda, Jessica, Joshua, Matthew & Rachel, Eric, Jer, Bev, JoAnn, Carolyn, Jasmin & Tim, Jimmy, Jack and Andre for all your help, support and WORK, for I couldn't do it without you. Also thank you for all of your well wishes on our Anniversary because it wouldn't be such a success without all of you. So, Thank You!

Just in case you haven't heard, Eric & I are at the Crazy Horse in Irvine Tuesdays for our "Dance Night Out." The big room is ours for the evening, so come, take the lessons and have fun. Practice that new dance move, dance, see friends, dance, meet new people, dance and with Eric DJ-ing, playing great music, we'll have the best Tuesday Dance Night around. The Beginning West Coast Swing Lesson is at 7:00, an Intermediate lesson at 7:30 & general dancing from 8:00-11:00. We will be there on May 11th & 18th (a Concerts is booked on the 25th). If I have your email address, I can keep you posted sooner rather than once a month (sometimes they don't give me much notice). Sign up at my website at www.Dance-Today.com or email me at Lisa@Dance-Today.com.

It's not too late to sign up for our new Dance-Today Dance Club. Membership is $30.00 per person and $50.00 for a married couple valid from now to April 2005. Discounts include $3.00 off at the door Tuesday nights, free admission to my dance at Avant Garde your birthday month and more. Membership forms are at the Crazy Horse Tuesday nights where you can sign up immediately, at our classes at Avant Garde in Newport or give me a call.

Congratulations Brandi & Shawn and Dan & Karen on your recent weddings, wishing you all the best.

New classes are starting next week with Night Club 2-Step Level 3 returning on Monday, May 10th at 8:00p.m. Also, I'm selling tickets at our front row table to the Jack 'n' Jill Orama June 11-13, 2004 in Anaheim. Tickets are $90.00 for all three days including Saturday night dinner. Call me if you're interested. Due to this event, our June dance will be on Saturday, June 19th.

Eric & I are also available for private dance lessons. Phone Eric at (714) 585-9368 and Lisa at (714) 330-3689 and Gift Certificates do make a great "gift of dance."

Take care of yourself and your loved ones. SMILE. Be glad to be alive.and Dance-Today...let your Spirit play. ~Lisa

See you at our dance next month.
"Jungle Boogie" June party & dance Saturday, June 19, 2004

Lisa Narita & Eric Myers teach West Coast Swing:
7:00 Beginning Level
7:30 Intermediate Level
8:00 General Dancing with DJ Eric spinning great tunes for West Coast Swing, Night-Club 2 Step, Street Hustle, Country 2-Step, ChaCha, Salsa and more.

The Crazy Horse is located in California at the Irvine Spectrum where the 405 & 5 fwys meet. 71 Fortune Dr. Irvine, CA 92618 Parking is the best at the backside of Dave & Busters, the Tea Station & Home Findings. Once you park, walk towards the Carousel & turning to the right, The Crazy Horse is right there.