Ballroom dancing marathon to benefit Exceptional Foundation

For the past 10 years, ballroom dancers from all over the Southeast have gathered in Homewood for a weekend full of dancing and dance classes. Many weary hours later, with happy faces, sore feet and brains full of new dance moves, these folks are already looking forward to the following year’s event.

The event originally started during National Ballroom Dance Week to earn money for a new dance floor for Homewood Senior Center, but money raised through this year’s event will benefit The Exceptional Foundation, a non-profit organization for special needs individuals.

This year’s event will start on Friday evening, Nov. 1 with a dance featuring live music by Birmingham dance band The Classics at The Exceptional Foundation, 1616 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. There will be exhibitions by local dancers, including a special exhibition by the foundation’s Exceptional Dancing Stars.

Saturday will feature six hours of dance workshops taught on three dance floors by nine different teachers. Our Lady of Sorrows’ school and Family Life Center will provide extra dance space for dancers of all levels.

Dances offered include the fox trot, waltz, swing, rumba, mambo, cha cha, tano and bolero.

Saturday evening brings semi-formal dance at the Exceptional Foundation with music by the Tradewinds, exhibitions and food.

Finally, a “Fun Competition, 2nd Edition,” presented by Dennis Woods will be held Sunday from 1-4 p.m. for dancers of all levels. Entry for competitors is $15, and spectators can attend for free.

The weekend pass for the event costs $90, or $99 after Oct. 1. To request a registration form, email curtnwendy@hotmail.com. A la cart prices are also available.