When Lynn Pitz first joined FAPC in 2001, she was amazed by the "things to do" offerings listed at the new members' breakfast.  As her angel encouraged her to get involved, though, she felt that it may be more feasible to find service opportunities than fellowship groups. "After all, I was married to a man from a different Christian denomination, who attended a different church, and we had a fairly busy social schedule," Pitz said.  But as it turned out, the diverse fellowship opportunities would play a large role in her experiences at FAPC.
 
Pitz and her husband attended a Couples Club kick-off dinner, and had a conversation with Bridget and Eric Johnson, chairs the committee that year, that actually led to the start of a brand-new fellowship group. A former professional ballet dancer, Pitz began to study ballroom dance over a decade ago, and now gives private lessons and teaches at the New York Athletic Club, as well as Health Advocates for Older People, Inc. The Couples Club, which is always looking for inventive and interesting events for its members, decided it might be fun to give it a whirl, and brought Pitz on board to teach.

The dance events were popular.  Couples Club members did their best to learn the steps, sharing laughter and having fun in a relaxed Christian atmosphere.  Rumor has it that Rev. Randy Weber and his wife Cindy cut a mean rug at the dances. And while ballroom dancing seems couple-specific, it doesn't have to be.  After several single people expressed an interest, Pitz opened the dance floor up to the entire church – whether they were paired up or not. A minimal fee is charged, and donated in full to help the church with operating expenses.

As of summer 2006, Ballroom Dance was an official class at FAPC. About 60 people are on the class mailing list, and class size varies from about eight to 18. Some people come all of the time, others only when the class is learning a dance that interests them. The class has covered all the ballroom dances (except the Paso Doble), including the Fox Trot, Waltz, Swing and all of its variations, Rumba, Samba, Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha, Merengue, the Hustle, Argentine Tango and American Tango.
 
"Teaching ballroom dance at the church has been a delightful, life-enriching experience," says Pitz. "It is not age-, gender- or couple specific, so it is open to all." Tracie Henson, a talented young Focus member, who often works as Pitz's assistant, says, "I love it! And it gives me a chance to meet other members."  That's because class members change partners often, so everyone can dance and have the opportunity to learn from others.  The classes – which are oftentimes made up of non-FAPC members – also introduce new people to the church.

Recently, Bonnie Grant, who regularly attends classes, handed Pitz a note.  On it was written the line from Psalm 30:11:  "You turned my wailing into dancing."  Grant explained it was her way of letting Pitz know that, for her, dancing was a way to forget troubles and find joy in the wonderful life God has given us.
 
Amen to that.

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