The expansive lawn at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens was a sea of turquoise and white for Dancing Under the Stars Friday evening. A dance floor in the center twinkled with sparkling lights as guests took their places for a dance class, conducted by Jojo Graham of Dancing Classroom.
After a few quick lessons, guests were ready to “cut a rug,” dancing to the music of the Dave Banks Big Band. Ron and Kate Koly, Kel Hess, Andrea Martter, Stephanie Yeager, Sean Sandvick, and Pam and John Saganich all enjoyed learning to jitterbug and swing dance.
Linda Conrad, president of Stan Hywet, welcomed guests to the first-time event, before joining her husband, Ed Conrad, on the dance floor. Conrad said the event was developed as part of Stan Hywet’s strategic planning.
“This is the type of thing the Seiberlings would enjoy,” she said of Stan Hywet’s original owners. “Certainly the big band sound goes back to their era.”
The guests agreed. Hannah Swiger and Jeremy Kimble said they love ballroom dancing and were happy to see this new event at Stan Hywet. Also enjoying the dance were Janice Snell, Fred Wheile, C.M. and Barbara Shearer, and Paul and Trudy DeSantis.
Nick and Noreen Tullio looked over the hors d’oeuvres from Acme Catering. Debbie Zupancic, Chris Wokaty and Bryan Black served dance-themed food, including the Cyd Charisse, the Jitterbug and All Jazzed Up. Summer and Justin Dulabahm enjoyed the crudités, along with their friends, Stacy and Paul Rose, and Cherie and Steve Shechter. Gary and Mindy Aleman recommended desserts named the Viennese Waltz, Fred & Ginger and the Tango.
Jazz vocalist Marsha Newman and the Dave Banks Big Band kept the dancers moving throughout the evening. A special guest was Michael Sinata, who sang some favorites of “Old Blue Eyes,” much to the delight of the audience.
As dusk fell, the trees and front of Stan Hywet Hall were illuminated with violet lights, making it a very romantic evening under the stars.
