Salsa rhythms light up Niwot's summer evening

Dancing Under the Stars opened up its 2024 season on June 28 in Cottonwood Square in front of The Little Shop and WiNot Coffee Company. The event brought together dance enthusiasts and curious newcomers for an evening of dancing.

While weather threatened to disrupt the night, a thunderstorm quickly moved through Niwot at the very beginning of the evening, leaving the crowd with a cloud-covered sky and an occasional sprinkle, a much-needed cool-off for those on the dance floor.

The night began at 7 p.m. with dance lessons led by Joseph Snowhawk. Snowhawk guided participants through the steps slowly, calling out for everyone to switch partners frequently, ensuring no one was left behind. His expertise and engaging teaching style were evident as he moved through the crowd, providing personalized tips and encouragement and guaranteeing everyone was ready to take the dance floor at 7:45 p.m.

One sponsor of the night was Big Orange Square, whose employees helped transport the brand-new dance floor that event organizers Catherine McHale and Tom Masterson were excited to reveal this season. "We're excited to replace some of the old tattered [dance floor] with some brand new stuff," Masterson said.

The improved dance floor will allow dancers to glide more easily, providing a more enjoyable experience for them.

As the sun set and dancers spilled onto the dance floor, Snowhawk, also the DJ for the evening, played all the right tracks for attendees to practice their new moves. Participants of all ages, from elementary-aged children to seniors, took to the dance floor and salsaed the night away.

There were 120 people in attendance for the lesson and over 200 for the social.

On Friday, July 5, Dancing Under the Stars will feature swing dancing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in Cottonwood Square. Masterson will be the instructor, with Snowhawk as the DJ again. The program will include waltz, cha-cha, and salsa dancing.

The event is funded by the Niwot LID, and sponsored by the Niwot Business Association, and Cottonwood Square, as well as local business sponsors Porchfront Homes, DRF Real Estate, Big Orange Square, Raza Fresa, Una Vida, and the Niwot Tavern.