Country Dancing

One Last Dance

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This is a follow-up to my May article about Rolling Mills Bar and Grill in Girard. At that time, I wrote this bar/dance hall was to be auctioned on May 11, 2022. The winning bidders backed out of the deal on the last day to close the sale, so this nightspot was once again put up for auction on August 31, 2022. 

The winning bidder was Sam Ali and the Rolling Mills management was under the assumption that he would continue to operate this establishment as a place where people could dance and enjoy a meal or beverage. A variety of dancers including polka, jitterbug, swing, and line dance have been going there for many years, dating back to the 1960’s, when it was known as Kuzman’s. Unfortunately, on September 23, 2022 it was reported that the owner plans to turn this beloved dance ballroom into a Six Brothers used car lot. 

The Rolling Mills owner, management, and staff decided to hold “One Last Dance” on September 24, 2022. They offered free admission and appetizers to their dedicated loyal customers. There were many couples dancing to songs played by DJ Carl. I knew it wouldn’t be a “country line dance crowd” but I wanted to go to say goodbye to the manager, who always treated me like family anytime I was there. 

As I watched the crowd, I couldn’t help but reminisce back to the years I spent teaching and dancing there, and the various DJs that I worked with, including Theo, Randall, Dan, and finally, Jake. These four men were very different but I learned something from each one of them. I also danced to several country bands there, and also one of my favorite polka bands, the Chardon Polka Band! 

Since I have experienced several different bars either closing or discontinuing line dance, I have become somewhat immune to losing my “hangouts” over the years. Sadly, I wish I could say the same for those dancers who now have nowhere else to go to enjoy an evening of dancing with their partners, friends, and family. 

As we all grow older, we should realize that nothing lasts forever, places change and/or close, and people’s lives and priorities need to adjust along with these ups and downs on this road we all travel. Some of us adapt easily, and others do not; it’s a sorrowful fact of life. 

To honor all the couples who danced at Rolling Mills, here’s one of their favorite classic line dances: 

Electric Slide

 

Dori Yez teaches Country Line Dancing at these Ohio SCOPE Centers: Howland on Monday evenings (Seasoned Beginners) and Wednesday evenings (Improver & Intermediate) plus the same level in Cortland on Friday afternoons. Due to room size and attendance, Dori can no longer accept new students in any of her classes. There is a waiting list for a new “novice/beginner” class.

 

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