Dance club keeps in step

By 8:30 on a recent Friday night, the Marrs Starz band was going strong and a good-size crowd was on the dance floor.

The men were dressed in tuxedos or formal dinner jackets.

Some of the women wore glittering gowns, while others opted for dressy pants outfits of satin and crepe.

It was a colorful and, yes, romantic sight.

The occasion was the November dance for Qui Vive, the Omaha area's oldest formal ballroom dancing club. There certainly are many places for dancing, but clubs are rare — especially clubs with such a long history. This group's early history is a little hazy; even the story behind the club name — pronounced kee veev — is part of the history that has been forgotten or lost.

But one gentleman has been a member since 1936. Another couple joined in 1942.

The club has seen its ups and downs in the past 70 years. Omaha used to be a big dance town. Dances at the Livestock Exchange Building and ballrooms in the Fontenelle, Paxton and Blackstone Hotels drew people from miles around.

At one time, said Ron Glowen, president of Qui Vive, the club had 60 member couples and a waiting list.

But when Glowen and his wife, Ann, joined about 14 years ago, membership was low, and in the next few years dipped even lower.

They also were the youngest members and were dismayed that almost all of the dances were fox trots. Now in their mid-50s, they are seeing more people their age and younger get involved, and the dance repertoire has expanded to include other dance styles.

The club is beginning to thrive once again, said Glowen, who attributes the growth to several things. For one, he said, the popularity of television shows such as “Dancing With the Stars” has made people aware of ballroom dancing.

People his age are taking ballroom dancing lessons because their children are getting married and the parents don't want to look silly on the dance floor. Then these couples need a place to put into practice what they have learned.

It's a great way to meet people. And some people just like the idea of getting dressed up, he said.

That's a club rule, by the way. The dancers must wear formal attire to the club's six dances.

Ross Cavaleri, the member who joined in the 1930s, is 93. He and his wife, Helen, 85, attend every dance. Watching them move on the dance floor, one wouldn't guess their ages.

They say dancing keeps them young, and they go to all the dances they can, even traveling to Wahoo and Lincoln.

Cavaleri once had his own dance band, the Jack Ross Band, so he was no stranger to the ballroom. He said he never took dance lessons. “I just watched the other guys and imitated them.”

At the November dance, some couples danced every dance, while others sat at elegant tables around the dance area and socialized.

Iris and Happy Kewin did a bit of both. The pair were noticeable on the dance floor for their exciting dance moves.

The couple, who met at a New Year's Eve dance at a friend's home and are still newlyweds, joined Qui Vive in April. Iris, who used to dance competitively, likes the Latin dances. Her husband leans more toward swing and polka.

“Dancing is great for relationships,” Iris said. “The intimacy is wonderful for couples.”

Glowen said there are at least 35 couples on the membership rolls now. Dave and Irene Paik came to the November dance as visitors to see if they would like it. They did and became members.

Interested couples are always welcome at the dances, Glowen said. It costs $25 for a visiting couple.

Membership is $125 a year, but there are beginners specials and pro-rated membership rates for couples who join late in the season (which is October to April). The dues go toward hall rental and paying the bands.

All the dances are at Arbor Hall, 14040 Arbor St., this season. Shiny wood floors, white tablecloths, candles and flowers add to the ambience. There also are refreshments for those who need to rest their feet and replenish their energy.

Dances begin at 8 p.m., but at 7:30 a dance instructor comes in to teach steps to couples who wish to learn a new dance. At the November dance, Ron Shepard of Just Dance taught seven or eight couples moves for the seductive rumba. Then it was dancing until 11.

Members do not have to be expert dancers.

“There's no competition. That takes the fun out of it,” Glowen said. “I like to be able to laugh at myself.”

The next dance is Friday. Music will be provided by the Greg Spevak Orchestra.

Glowen said he is feeling confident about Qui Vive's future, and he welcomes calls from anyone who wants to learn more about the club.

“Now we're confident there's a next year,” Glowen said.

Contact the writer:

444-1067, carol.bicak@owh.com

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