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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Coliseum tea dances worth the drive

Dancer: "Why take it away from us?"Dec. 29

For the past four-plus years, I have been a permanent resident of Bradenton. Two years ago I found out about the weekly tea dances at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, in spite of their not being advertised. I have attended them regularly since, even though it meant a long drive (approximately 30 miles each way). The quality and size of the dance floor, as well as the beauty of its interior, have made the Coliseum tea dance the highlight of my week.

I know that I speak for many of my ballroom-dancing friends who live both in and south of Sarasota. There is no other dancing facility that can compare. The excellent music played at the tea dance adds significantly to its ambience.

Now that the tea dances have been reduced to two a month, my enthusiasm about coming to St. Petersburg has been greatly reduced, as has that of many of my friends. They frequently forget the new dates for the tea dance.

The Coliseum, as a ballroom-dance hall, is a historical landmark of St. Petersburg. It would be quite appropriate for all tours of St. Petersburg to include a visit to the inside of the Coliseum, hopefully with the interior lights turned on.

I also understand that many of the senior activities in the city are subsidized. The weekly tea dances at the Coliseum should be one of these activities, with greater attention given to advertising their availability. A slight increase to the entrance charge from the present $5 to $7, as many dance studios have done, would be appropriate.

William Brunk, Bradenton

Dancer: "Why take it away from us?"Dec. 29

Weekly dances costly

I returned home recently from a trip and heard about a petition to return the bimonthly Wednesday afternoon dances at the St. Petersburg Coliseum to a weekly event.

In today's economy, it would be impractical to fund this endeavor. In today's society, governmental agencies are experiencing a decline in revenues due to economic conditions. The Coliseum is an immense arena. Increasing insurance costs and high energy and maintenance bills affect the decisionmaking process as to which events the Coliseum can feasibly host. I believe the continuation of the bimonthly dances is evidence that the people in charge are bending over backward for our seniors. To ask for more is absurd. The funds spent for these "extra" dances should be used for more critical and meaningful projects.

Seniors who enjoy dancing can find lots of places to dance, such as the Gulfport Casino, senior centers, American Legion halls and dance studios.

Martin Elman, Seminole

Dancer: "Why take it away from us?"Dec. 29

It's not just for old folks

This article suggests that ballroom dancing is an outdated form of entertainment that only appeals to the seniors in our community, and that the Coliseum is well past its useful life as a dance hall.

My 16-year-old daughter Laura began ballroom dancing one year ago, partly inspired by the "cheesy reality television show" the article's writer mentioned dismissively. She takes classes at our home school co-op taught by a ballroom dancer/home school mom. She already has learned over a dozen dance styles and four routines with her partner, which she performs at shows and competitions. My shy daughter has blossomed into a graceful, confident young woman because of ballroom dancing.

We recently participated in a show at the tea dance at the Coliseum put on by our Florida Homeschool Ballroom Dance Team. A dozen kids of all ages performed routines to Christmas music for the tea dance attendees, who were an appreciative audience.

If the city of St. Petersburg found creative ways to appeal to the people of all ages who love ballroom dancing, the Coliseum would find new life. With increased revenue from other dance activities, perhaps the cost of a weekly tea dance, which appeals mostly to seniors not hindered by a work week or school week, could be covered again.

Penny Birch-Williams, Clearwater

Pinellas County Center for the Arts

'Nutcracker' a treat

Reflecting back over the recent holiday season, I wanted to thank the Pinellas County Center for the Arts for its wonderful production of The Nutcracker. This was the third year in a row that my daughter and I have attended the performance, and we so enjoy it! The hard work and dedication that the young people of our community put into this production is appreciated by all those who attend. I have enjoyed watching these incredibly talented youths blossom and improve their skills each year.

Thank you to the adults, especially director Suzanne Pomerantzeff, who challenge and guide these students! My daughter and I have started a holiday tradition, and we look forward to the next performance!

Eileen Hodges, St. Petersburg

Keep your pets safe Jan. 9, letter

Chip works up to a point

Concerning the letter about the importance of microchipping your animals:

Remember, the microchip is only as good as the address given. If one moves and does not report the change of address or veterinarian, the chip serves no purpose.

Barbara Enfinger, Palm Harbor

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[Last modified January 12, 2008, 21:55:31]