Happy new year! This is a great time to make a new year's resolution to start dancing - for fitness and fun. Did you know that:

• Mayo Clinic researchers report that dancing helps to reduce stress, increase energy, improve strength, and increase muscle tone and coordination.
• The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that dancing lowers your risk of heart disease, decreases blood pressure, and strengthens your bones.
• As an exercise form, dancing is unique because it not only provides the heart-healthy benefits of aerobic exercise - it is also a wonderful social activity that’s just plain fun.

Come join a class: International Folk Dance on Mondays 7-9:15 p.m., January 10-May 2, at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue Petaluma and on Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m., January 12-February 16, at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes; Swing & Salsa on the first and third Tuesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m., January 18-May 16, at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes.

A great time was had by all at the Petaluma Snap-Dancers Holiday Dance Party!

Very special thanks to Nuri Bal, Natalie Hicks, Jim Avera, and Barbara Babin of Santa Rosa Vecherinka for the fabulous live music.

You are all invited to an evening of Turkish food and dancing on Monday, December 20, 6-8 p.m., at Afendi's Turkish Grill, 299 North McDowell, Petaluma.

Classes will resume after the holidays -- International Folk Dance at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, on Mondays 7-9:15 p.m. starting January 10-May 2; International Folk Dance at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes, on Wednesdays 7:15-9:30 p.m., January 12-February 16; Swing & Salsa at the Dance Palace on the first and third Tuesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m. starting January 18.

Happy holidays to you all!