Summer is wedding season and to help couples be prepared for the dance floor, Bridgeport Public Library is hosting a night of ballroom dancing. Couples of all ages are invited to attend at no cost. 

The event is 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. Instruction will be provided by Artie and Eileen Frank, well known in the area for their quality instruction of ballroom dance steps.

Individuals need to bring only a desire to learn ballroom dancing and are asked to wear comfortable shoes, with backs. 

The one-night learning event will serve as an introduction for a ballroom dance learning series to take place at Benedum Civic Center. 

“Every year, the Franks teach six-week classes at the Civic Center and they’re always a real success,” said Sarah Nora, library technician. “This is an opportunity for couples to try it here without investing anything. If they want to learn more, they can take the full course at the Civic Center.”

Six couples have already registered for the free night of dance instruction, but there’s room for more. 

Artie Frank provided a brief overview of what will take place the evening of Tuesday, June 16. 

“As we’re basically working with beginners, what we normally do is start with a dance step called the Ballentine, which is a slow dance and that starts couples moving as a couple,” he said. “The idea is for one to lead and the other to follow. What we’ll probably finish up with is the ChaCha, which is a fairly universal dance.”

The fast-paced ChaCha is an ideal dance for a variety of musical genres, Frank said. 

Registration is required by calling 304-842-8248 or stopping at the front desk of Bridgeport Public Library. Because of the anticipated popularity of the free instruction, a second night has already been established for July 7.