Waltz and folk magic enliven Niwot's Dancing Under the Stars

The third week of Niwot's Dancing Under the Stars brought a touch of elegance to Cottonwood Square on Friday, July 12. The waltz and folk dance evening featured live music by the talented duo of Terri Rasmussen and Julia Haze, setting the tone for a magical night.

The evening began again with a dance lesson led by Tom Masterson, one of the event organizers, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. After slowly teaching the basic steps, Masterson lined attendees up for a circle waltz before handing off the mic to Catherine McHale, the co-event organizer.

McHale warmly encouraged participants to visit two of the event's sponsors, Raza Fresa and The Niwot Tavern, both restaurants located mere steps south of the dance floor. Before letting the dancers loose for the social dancing part of the evening, Masterson expressed his gratitude about the evening's lesson, saying, "Thank you, everybody, for dancing so beautifully."

A smaller number of people showed up for the waltz and folk night, with around 75 in attendance. McHale said that this dance genre night is historically the least attended, but it allows those who are truly passionate about it to have room to glide across the dance floor.

Those in attendance made the dance floor a whirl of skirts and fun while twirling to the music of Rasmussen, on the keyboard, and Haze, on the violin. Haze, a seasoned violinist, filled in at the last minute alongside Rasmussen. Despite the change, their 15 years of playing together shone through in their seamless performance.

Rasmussen, a Niwot local, and Haze, who hails from south Denver, created a harmonious backdrop that had everyone floating across the dance floor. With Haze, the duo perfectly complemented each other's melodies, creating an enchanting atmosphere in Cottonwood Square.

Rasmussen has a history with Dancing Under the Stars, having previously provided the event's only live music. With the addition of a live country two-step night set for Sept. 6, she will continue to bring her musical charm to the event.

Next Friday, July 19, Dancing Under the Stars will feature the second swing night of the season, with Boulder Swing Dance providing the dance instruction and music for the evening. Attendees can look forward to another lively evening of music and dancing from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

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.