Teens get out for dancing and fun

Douglas County Parks & Recreation has thrown teen dances periodically for quite some time now. The popularity of the dances, held at Douglas County Fairgrounds, has only increased, according to recreation coordinator Keris Meyers-Dahlkamp.

The teen dance at the fairgrounds on Friday was a big success, he said.

"It was really good. To be honest, this whole school year they've all gone really well," said Meyers-Dahlkamp. "Hundreds of kids. This was the third dance since this fall."

The dances, which are supervised by parks and recreation staff and volunteers, include a D.J. and a food concession, selling pizza, candy and sodas, operated by 4-H members.

"I think they enjoy it," said Meyers-Dahlkamp. "I think they think it's a cool thing. It's just a nice venue for them to get out and be with their friends."

The parks department will host the next teen dance at the fairgrounds 7-9:30 p.m. March 16.

"It's a great opportunity for teenagers in the area to have a safe, positive place to be," he said.

Classes and events are offered by parks and recreation throughout February. Spaces are limited for all classes. To register call 782-9828, or visit the parks & recreation office at 1327 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville.

Upcoming events offered by parks and recreation:

n Battle of the bands - 4-10 p.m. March 24, includes 12-20 participating bands, Douglas County Fairgrounds, $5

n Chinese New Year celebration - 1-3:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Minden Elementary School

n Father-daughter dance - 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 10 at St. Gall Catholic Church, $15 couple, $6 per additional daughter

n Little Miss Douglas County pageant - Feb. 16 and 17 with information meeting Feb. 10 at Dance Workshop, $45 plus $10 pageant admission fee

n Teen dance - 7-9:30 p.m. March 16 for grades six to eight, Douglas County Fairgrounds, $5

n Snowshoeing in Hope Valley - 3-6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 for teens, $10

Upcoming classes:

n Dog obedience - 7-8 p.m. Feb. 7 through March 21, ages 8 and older, Douglas County Fairgrounds, $75

n Concealed weapons- 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 16, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 17, adults, recreation annex, $75, plus $10 insurance fee payable to instructor. This course, which meets and exceeds the Nevada State CCW requirements, can be taken by CCW applicants or anyone wanting to learn to shoot handguns.

n Ballet - Feb. 3-28, two classes Saturday, one Wednesday, for ages 3 and older, World Gym. Enhances the pupil's general education by developing concentration, coordination, quick thinking, self-discipline and self-confidence.

n Ballroom dancing 1 - 7-8 p.m. Fridays Feb. 23 through March 16, Dance Workshop, adults, $75 per couple. Learn the fundamentals of the fox trot, swing, waltz and Latin dances.

n Ballroom dancing 2 - 8-9 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 23 through March 16, adults, Dance Workshop, $75 per couple. Learn a few more complicated dance moves. For those who have already taken Ballroom Dancing 1.

n Beginner's tai-chi - 8-10 a.m., Saturdays, Feb. 3 through March 3, adults, Carson Valley Middle School, $5. Tai-chi is a soft martial art, or exercise form, which originated in China.

n Beginning/intermediate senior tap - 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 6 through March 1,ages 55 and older, Dance Workshop, $70. Tap dancing is a good aerobic exercise that improves your balance and strengthens your legs.

n Belly dance and hula - 10-11 a.m. Fridays, Feb. 2-23, ages 13 and older, recreation annex, $20. Learn the basics while giving yourself an hour of great exercise, knowledge and therapy.

n Business identity theft - 2:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 24, adults, recreation annex, $50. Gain understanding of the laws around identity theft, what they mean to your business, what the FTC suggests and the penalties for non-compliance.

n Cross country skiing - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 13, adults, recreation annex, $45. Enjoy a day learning how to cross country ski.

n Empowerment workshop - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 20, ages 16 and older, recreation annex, $50. Join this class to celebrate your best possibilities and your decision to create the most from any situation you encounter.

n Hip hop - 5:45-6:45 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 5-26, ages 6-9; 6:45-7:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 5-26, ages 10-13, Dance Workshop, $45. Here's your chance to learn the latest moves for this popular dance style.

n Karate kids - Ages 7-9, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 1-27; ages 10-12 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 1-27, recreation annex, $50. This structured program of Isshin-Ryu Karate will develop self-discipline, manners, positive and effective thinking, and strong self-defense skills.

n Kenpo jujitsu - 6-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 5-28, 13 and older, High Desert Martial Arts, $55. Self defense basics. Become familiar with blocks strikes, kicks, and combinations of Kenpo and will learn the fundamentals of escapes, throws and sweeping techniques of Jujitsu.

n Middle Eastern belly dance- 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 3-24, adults, recreation annex, $20. Express yourself through belly dancing.

n Personal identity theft - 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 24, adults, recreation annex, $20. Gain understanding of the five areas of identity theft, how your info is compromised, and tips to protect yourself.

n Renaissance swordsmanship - 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 7-28, ages 11 and older, Gardnerville Elementary School, $20. Students will learn basics of Renaissance swordsmanship.

Scrapbooking - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10, adults, Gardnerville Elementary School, $10. Enjoy an uninterrupted day of scrapbooking on your own 6-foot table. Snacks, water, tools and support are available.

n Senior ballroom dancing - 2-3 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 23-March 16, adults, Dance Workshop, $75 a couple. This is a chance to learn new dance skills or just tune up existing skills.

n Shotokan karate - 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 1-27, ages 12 and older, Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School, $40. This is a traditional Japanese karate style that employs efficient and powerful techniques that emphasize coordination of mind and body rather than physical strength.

n Spanish at Meneley Elementary School - 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 5-26, first through sixth graders, $30. This class is for students who wish to continue learning Spanish based on the Douglas County elementary Spanish curriculum.

n Spanish at Gardnerville Elementary School - 3:15-4:15 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 8 through March 1, first through sixth graders, $30. This class is for students who wish to continue learning Spanish based on the Douglas County elementary Spanish curriculum.

n Spanish at Minden Elementary School - 3:15-4:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 6-27, first through sixth graders, $40. This class is for students who wish to continue learning Spanish based on the Douglas County elementary Spanish curriculum.

n Tiny tumblers - 9-9:45 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, Feb. 7 through March 2, 6 months-2 years, Tumbleweeds Gymnastics, $55. This parent participation class promotes independent learning in sport, self-esteem and first friendships.

n Tumble tots - 3-3:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 5-28, ages 3-6, Tumbleweeds Gymnastics, $55. This class builds confidence, courage, strength, flexibility and self esteem.

n Tumble twisters - 3:45-4:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 6-27, ages 6-12, Tumbleweeds Gymnastics, $55. Tumbling, trampoline, bars, rings.

n Yoga - 9:30-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Feb. 1-26, adults, recreation annex, $38. The ancient life science of hatha toga (physical yoga) is the path to long life and happiness.

n Financial workshop for individual investors - 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 28 through March 14, adults, recreation annex, $25. This course will assist individuals in setting financial and investment goals.

n Valentine's Day tea - noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 10, adults, recreation annex, $20. Please join us for a Valentine's Day tea.

Reflexology - 1-4 p.m. Feb. 17, adults, recreation annex, $40. Explain, demonstrate and practice the art of reflexology. Bring a sack lunch and a towel or blanket to sit on.