Westmount dance studio set to swing open its doors

To kick off the fall season, the studio will be hosting an open house on Sunday, Aug. 26 at the studio’s home in Centre Greene

Guests can expect to experience a taste of what Hip Action Dance Studio is all about.

“We like to keep it light, and we find people grasp things easier that way. It’s all about socializing, having fun and working out,” said Myrle Clery, an instructor at the studio which counts salsa, reggae and belly dancing among the styles it features.

The open house will feature demonstrations and lessons in African, tango, hip-hop, stomp, west coast swing and salsa dance styles. Admission is free.

Lessons held during the open house will cost $5 per one-hour session, but are free to anyone who joins the Hip Action VIP guest list before Aug. 20. Guests should e-mail RSVP@hipaction.ca to be added to the list, and should visit www.hipaction.ca for a full rundown of the studio’s programming.

Hip Action owner Marsha Lawrence invites people of all dancing levels to attend the open house — from beginners to experienced dancers, the studio provides a warm and inviting environment for all, she said.

“We’re not stern teachers, cracking whips over anyone’s head. If we let people play, they learn faster,” Lawrence said of Hip Action’s approach to dancing.

Attendees of the open house will also automatically be eligible for a 10 per cent discount on fall registration, and are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the event, to be donated to Share the Warmth.

Organizers hope the event will spread the joy of dancing throughout Montreal.

“What we want is to get a whole lot more people addicted to dancing,” said Lawrence.

The Open House event takes place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Centre Greene, 1090 Greene Ave. For more information, call 514-931-6202.