Ballroom Dance Marathon benefits Exceptional Foundation

For more than a decade, 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 summer program for The Exceptional Foundation, a non-profit organization for individuals with special needs.

This year’s event will start on Friday evening, Jan. 9 with a dance featuring live music by Birmingham dance band The Classics at The Exceptional Foundation, 1616 Oxmoor Road. There will be exhibitions by local dancers, including a special exhibition by the foundation’s Exceptional Dancing Stars.

Saturday, Jan. 10 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 competition will be held Sunday afternoon, Jan. 11 for dancers of all levels. Entry for competitors is $15, and spectators can attend for free.

The weekend pass for the event costs $125. To request a registration form, email curtnwendy@hotmail.com or visit dancemarathon-birmingham.com.