Tatia Zack begins by urging bystanders to join her in dancing. Before long, she has drawn quite a crowd, and people of all ages and skill levels are boogieing to music ranging from the folk song "Cotton Eyed Joe" to the funk and rap dance mix "The Booty Call."
The scene is played out Friday nights beneath the People Tree at the Columbia lakefront. From late June to early September, Zack, an experienced dance instructor and choreographer, offers free dance lessons to the Howard County community.
"The idea is like what they have in resorts; someone who is experienced with the art of dance to teach it to the community and just help them to have a good time," says Zack, who has offered the lessons in partnership with the Columbia Association since the late 1990s.
David and Colleen Copley of Pasadena have been coming to Zack's lessons for more than a year. They also attend some of her private lessons.
"We certainly enjoy coming here. It's a wonderful night out on a Friday," said David.
Colleen added that in addition to being great exercise, the dance lessons come in handy for social occasions.
"When you go to dances or parties, you'll be able to use the steps and everyone is impressed," she said.
Zack takes her lessons slowly. First, she explains the movements step by step, then introduces music, and finally lets the dancers try the dances on their own as she continues to demonstrate the steps on stage. She also offers one-on-one help.
"I'll try to go to couples and see if there's anything they need to work on. That's what I'm here for," she explained.
She added, "A great date night is what it is. Couples can come dance, see the movie [also provided by Columbia Association at the lakefront] afterward, maybe eat a nice dinner."
Zack always welcomes new dancers, regardless of skill level.
Erik Avant of Columbia had never attended one of Zack's lessons before last Friday.
"My mom comes every week, and she brought me this time," said the 16-year-old, who said he particularly enjoyed line dancing. "It's fun! I would come again."
Mary and Bill Boyce of Ellicott City also made the lessons part of their family's Friday night. The couple "stumbled upon" the scene with their two granddaughters who were visiting from Florida.
"It was a lot of fun," said 11-year-old Rhiannon Boyce. "It's kind of hard to choose the best part."
Her sister, Sarah, can pick her favorite part of the lesson without hesitation.
"Dancing with Papa!" exclaimed the 14-year-old, referring to her grandfather, Bill.
Their grandmother Mary, however, watched from the grass as her family danced.
"Next time, I will dance," she said. "I was a little timid tonight."
Many other people sat on the nearby steps, benches and the grass, watching the dancers but not joining in. Some nodded their heads and tapped their feet to the music.
"What I would say to people thinking about joining us is just not to be afraid. I'll make it easy for everyone. It's good for beginners and great practice for people with experience," said Zack, who also offers dance lessons for everyone from married couples to young children at studios in Howard County.
She said that one of her favorite parts of the Friday night lessons has little to do with dancing.
"What I like about it is the people coming back, not just every week, but every year. You really build friendships," said Zack, mentioning that people sometimes bring her food or stay after to chat. During her presentation, a young girl ran up on stage to give Zack a hug.
"I like the spirit of the people," said Columbia resident Elaine Novotny, 51. "It's very diverse, and everyone's just out to have fun."
Barbara Glick, also of Columbia, has been coming to the lessons for years and attends as often as possible.
The 51-year-old says that she keeps coming back because she enjoys "just being around the people, the vibrancy. It's great to see everyone having a great time in the beautiful weather."
She added, "I live for this; Columbia, this lakefront."
The free dance lessons under the People Tree at the Columbia lakefront begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday nights through Sept. 7. Information: the Columbia Association at 410 715-3000.