Salsa Wonderland Ball to Transform Edgewood Club Sunday

This Sunday night, the Edgewood Club will transform into a winter wonderland of salsa dancing and celebration.

Now in its 14th year, the Salsa Wonderland Ball is an annual holiday event of social dancing and community building. The alcohol-free dances are open to families and also include a dessert potluck.

Organized and decorated by Robert Rogers of Swissvale, the dance attracts people from the neighborhood, while others come from an hour away.

"I have learned to love social dancing," Rogers said. "It's people in the community getting together, dancing a simple dance, and it's very inviting. Pittsburgh has a reputation for being one of the friendliest places for dance, both regionally and nationally."

The Salsa Wonderland Ball is Sunday night at the Edgewood Club. A salsa lesson will be held at 7 p.m. followed by social dancing from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $6. Tickets for those 24 years old and younger are $4.

The dance is sponsored by Coal Country Traditions, a non-profit organization that holds dances each month at the Edgewood Club.

"This is our biggest dance of the year," Roberts said. "I treat this dance as a gift back to the community and a chance for everyone to come together during the holidays."

This is Rogers first salsa ball dance since his return in September after a 14-month hiatus. After moving to the Midwest for family reasons, he is able to promote the events and dance now that he is back in town.

"He's always been a catalyst of the salsa community," said Ron Gallagher, Edgewood Club general manager.

Linda Costanza Kelley of Washington, Pa. drives about 45 minutes to make it to the dance. She will be Robert's partner during the salsa lesson before the dance begins.

"It's a lot of fun and you meet new friends," Kelley said. "It's going to be very well decorated and learning salsa is a great thing. It helps you to be more social in interacting with other people."

Kelley, who has been going to the dance for at least five years, said it's a chance for everyone to see each other before the holidays.

For more information on the Salsa Wonderland Ball and regularly scheduled salsa dances at the Edgewood Club, contact dancewithrobert@gmail.com.