Ballroom dance sashays into San Marco

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Sandra Danu always is looking for an excuse to get up and stretch her legs.

A lifelong dancer, the River Club resident has been using the art form as a means of expression since she was 4 years old.

“It integrates a lot of good qualities,” Danu says of dance. “It’s my exercise, my social (life) and my art — all combined. I like having it all in one pack.”

Danu spent years taking ballet, modern and jazz before taking up ballroom dancing 15 years ago in New Jersey. She immediately fell in love with the style.

Danu wanted to continue ballroom dancing when she moved to Florida 10 years ago, but she quickly learned there weren’t any sophisticated ballroom dance clubs locally to suit her needs.

“There was no place to go dancing,” Danu said. “The floors were too small. They didn’t (encourage) real dancers and the music wasn’t always reliable.”

Finally after years of frustration over not finding a suitable dance club, Danu decided to create her own. After a year of construction, Danu opened Sashay, a ballroom dance nightclub in San Marco Plaza.

“I love the whole idea of yourself becoming one with your body,” Danu says of dancing. “It’s active entertainment, and I wanted to provide that for the public. I really wanted people to be able to participate.”

Sashay, located at 8209 Natures Way, Suite 103, San Marco Plaza, is open from 8-11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Once inside, guests are met with vibrant colors, dramatic orchid wall hangings, modern furniture and a floating dance floor, creating a unique and sophisticated Florida experience.

“I wanted to create a sophisticated Florida venue, staying true to where we are,” Danu says.

Sashay emphasizes a different theme every night, including Musica Latina, Music of the Decades, Jazz-n-Blues and a Night of Romance, allowing dancers to experience the different genres infused in ballroom dance, including Latin, swing and social dance, among others.

“Ballroom dance includes a whole range of styles,” Danu says.

In addition, Danu also hopes dancers enjoy the quality of the music, which is provided by Tony Holliman, of Superb Sound.

“We really want to emphasize the quality of music,” Danu says. “We’ve tried to create an (environment) where music and conversation can co-exist.”

Single admission is $18 per night. Half-year ($700) and full-year ($1400) memberships also are available. Dancers are asked to bring their own dance shoes or wear leather- or felt-soled shoes.

In addition to its dance floor, Sashay also has a café, where dancers can enjoy gourmet snacks and healthy non-alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea.

“It’s such a completely unique concept,” Danu says. “It’s a venue for students to come to. People don’t quite know what to expect. We’re still reaching out to a lot of people. It’s really open to anyone.

“I hope people say, ‘Gee, I had a great time. That was really fun,’” Danu said. “We’re trying to create community and encourage people to get to know each other in the dance world.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

IF YOU GO
Sashay
OWNER: Sandra Danu
ADDRESS: 8209 Natures Way, Suite 103, San Marco Plaza
PHONE: 306-5850
HOURS: 8-11 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday
ADMISSION: $18; half-year and full-year memberships available
WEBSITE: www.sashaydance.com