Give It A Whirl

For over three decades patrons have been expecting unique restaurants, upscale boutiques and one of-a-kind shops at Flower Hill Mall. In these economic times small business are coming and going like a revolving door, its here Tanya and Louis McKay Jr. chose to launch new business, Whirl Ballroom.

While ballroom isn’t new, it’s a new concept and the first ballroom in a mall setting. It's a step forward for all parties of concerned coastal community, couples, residents, mall merchants, owner and developer alike.

What was once two vacant shops is now a new open space with two walls of mirrored glass, a high ceiling and a warm wooden dance floor that invites patrons to give dance a whirl. McKay calculates for about the same cost and time of a movie, you can take a dance lesson. The placement of a hand on a back, light touch on the shoulder, eye contact help make people connect.

San Diego’s premiere Ballroom is tucked inside the Arts & Craft original facade, on the second level, Whirl would be at home on a New York City street corner, just like its now vacant mall neighbor. The Morrison Hotel Gallery owner Rich Horowitz cited low foot traffic as the reason The Morrison closed in Del Mar.

Will the mall’s newest shop have better luck?

McKay doesn’t believe in luck. “Things happen because you make them happen,” he said, although he also believes in being in the right place at the right time.

For McKay, Whirl fits in the Del Mar triangle, between Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe, as a place where all ages can kick back and kick up their heels any day or night of the week. It also fits with developer and owner Jeffery Essakow’s vision to make Flower Hill the center of the community.

Long before Starbucks, locals came to Pannikin, where McKay, wearing his Dance Arts logo shirt, struck up a conversation with Essakow. As they talked, they connected and as often the case more than coffee was put on the table. Essakow offered McKay an opportunity to open a new business in the mall.

But first, McKay needed to talk to his wife and business partner.

“Not on your life” was Tanya’s immediate response.

“We’re not ballroom people, but could recommend some.” Tanya told Essakow, but he apparently thought otherwise, recognizing in them the potential they see in others.

Dance Arts in Carmel Valley has a loyal following, and a three year wait list to train with them. Here they teach-ballet, jazz and tap for children and adults, even those barely old enough to tie their own tap shoes-with patience and enthusiasm.

At first meeting, Louis and Tanya, appear years younger. In their tiny office hangs a large portrait of the attractive middle aged couple with their four children. Off the studio, is a bright mural playroom, originally built for their youngest daughter, who today is in college and an accomplished dancer. On top of the large file cabinets are dozens of tiny framed portraits of their dance family, many old enough to enroll their own children.

The hallway connecting the studio to the office is covered with photographs signed by famous TV celebrities A personal note from Debbie Reynolds, who is still performing, reads “Louis you are a marvelous talent and like a second son to me.” They remain good friends today.

Louis McKay own parents know self-sacrifice. His mother gave up a Julliard scholarship to raise six children. Louis McKay, Sr., who lost his leg in combat, always claimed singing kept him alive in the foxholes as a marine during The World War II. His father's Purple Heart is proudly displayed in the office.

“Everything’s going to be great!” Tanya smiles, he always says that, but admits his positive attitude is his best quality that and his ease at talking to people.

However, when asked how he feels performing in front of an audience, the gregarious Louis was at a loss for words After an awkward silence, Tanya answered for him, offering a timeline of his life in the spotlight.

Tanya said, "I can't say how he feels," but Tanya describes Louis and the whole McKay clan as "a bunch of hams.”

Louis started singing in church at age six and joined his father at the San Diego Opera six years later. For eight years in his 20’s he shared the Broadway stage with Debbie Reynolds, in “Annie Get Your Gun,” and appeared on TV specials and variety shows. He also traveled the world before he opened his first dance studio 30 years ago.

Tanya follows Louis's lead, whether in dance, riding on back of his Harley, or starting a new adventure. Only after consulting, negotiating and reassessing their business model, together they decided "to go full out."

The McKays show no signs of slowing down. They teach dance everyday and are at Whirl three nights a week. Since they can’t be in two places at once, they hired loyal staff and interviewed a variety of instructors classical to modern trained, Now offering Tango, Swing, Salsa, Waltz, Zumba and more.

Their logical choice to host the adult social events is Lynn and Oscar Ortega. “We can’t wait to go to work at Whirl.” Lynn said cheerfully. “It’s a great diversion from their real estate jobs.” Dance has kept her positive even amid the real estate downturn she said not to mention petite, even with a dish of frozen yogurt, which melted as she chatted about herself.

“I’m a late bloomer. I didn’t dance until the age of 45," she said.

After her divorce rather than staying in and brooding, she drove herself downtown to dance.

She wasn’t a wallflower when Oscar, a dance champion, swept her off her feet, literally. Lynn, only 103 pounds, even then practiced lifts and won contests. Then she won Oscar’s heart.

As husband and wife, they use humor and fun to keep couples from stepping on each others toes and egos. They provide Latin and ballroom instruction from 7 -9 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There is a dance party from 8-10 pm on Friday, when you may bring your own bottle of wine, they bring the glasses. You won’t need special shoes, high heels are fine for women and for men leather soles, because rubber soles stick to the floor.

The high chairs and tables are at eye level to watch the dancers. Alabaster lights hang from the ceiling and cast a warm glow, but the glow upon the faces of the women when they “get it” is most rewarding for Lynn.

Over their desk hangs a handmade sign,” In each lesson in life there must be one who teaches love.” They want everyone to take a lesson.

The ballroom can be reserved for private parties to accommodate as many as 50 guests. A separate room is available and private lessons may be arranged. While geared towards adults, they encourage ages 9-17, and recently 6-8 year old to participate in all classes and train for competitions.

Whirl Ballroom 2670 Via de la Valle Suite A215 Del Mar, California 92014 (858) 350-9447 www.whirlballroom.com

Lightening Strikes Twice

Who doesn’t enjoy watching an electrifying performance?

Christopher Estrella was born with kinesthetic intelligence, good looks, kind heart and a whole lot of verve. Music and dance is a way of life, he’s danced with various dance troupes in San Diego. Just 25 years of age, Estrella is artistic director and founder of C-Star Producionz, and a lightening rod to showcase others talent.

Lightning strikes twice on the Mandeville’s Auditorium on UCSD campus for its second year, "All 4 U” San Diego's Best Talent and Dance Show, on February 20, 2010 from 7-9 pm.

Performances by: Unity, Majesty in Motion, One Nation , Kruciaal Element, Future Shock, Syde FX , Pride Rice Dance Crew, Ascension, Mt Carmel Dance Troupe, Super Galactic Beat Manipulators, Fusion & Static Soundtrack, Body Poets.

Choreographers: Mitchel Hills, Jaami Waali, Kobi Rozenfeld, Daniel Marshall, Justin Vaughn, Laurel Darcey, Vanessa Andrada, Chris Estrella, KJ Gonzales, David Stein

Estrella's inspiration and almost half of musical selection is a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. Jackson’s bigger than life persona had a profound influence professionally and personally on him. Estrella went to his memoriam in LA and participated in Thrill the World, where he met other fans, like himself, who will join him in precision "Thriller" moves for his own dream come true.

It's sure to be a thrill for the audience as well, with signature M J moves, authentic costumes, laser lights and special effects. All the details that come with putting on such a monumental production is enough to make one loose sleep, but an important move towards the next level.

Estrella teaches dance to ages from 5 to 65. As all great teachers, he encourages students to stretch their muscles and challenge their minds. “Practice, practice, practice makes perfect” is his mantra. All that practice stretches his thin frame even thinner, as he runs to practice all over town.

I caught up with Estrella early Saturday morning practice session at beachside basketball court. For Estrella, an avid surfer, the beach must offer balance and a breath of fresh air after week long practices at gyms and studios.

"Chris likes kids, said his aunt, "he is good with kids.”

Ten years old boys, Austin, Ben and Declan agreed, “Dance is fun we like coming to class”.

“Hip hop is a good workout, my son works up a sweat.” even moms are getting into the act. “Me and my girlfriend attend adult classes elsewhere,”said mom to one of the boys.

Estrella discloses quietly his dream to “Share the love of dance and connect with all ages,” and part of his larger dream and to help other homeless youths. Portion of the events proceeds will benefit “Photo Charity” a shelter for ages 18-24, where they transition from at risk youths to productive adults by learning life skills in a safe place off the streets of San Diego.

Hip Hop benefits children and helps in learning and social skills throughout life.
Chris, true to his passion, welcomes all ages and levels to come to practice and perform along with the principal dancers.

Come watch them sizzle, snap, sparkle and pop!
"All 4 U” Saturday, February 20, 2010
7-9:00 pm (doors open 6:30) Location: Mandeville Auditorium UCSD 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92039 For tickets go to HYPERLINK "http://WWW.CSTAPRODUCTIONZ.TICKETLEAP.COM" WWW.CSTAPRODUCTIONZ.TICKETLEAP.COM or call 888-241-0769

Photocharity go to HYPERLINK "http://www.photochairity.com" www.photochairity.com to learn more about how to help homeless youth.

Restaurant Week San Diego January 17-22

Why wait for cupid to strike his bow, during San Diego's Restaurant Week January 17-22, 180 of San Diego's most romantic and best restaurants aim to please. Three course menus priced at $20, $30, $40 make it easy to wine and dine. Who knows one may become your favorite Valentine of all time.