Western wear, formal or casual, is optional, and so is your urge to affect a cowboy twang at the second annual Cowgirls w/Heart Rodeo Dance.
The event Friday at El Casino Ballroom, organized by longtime Tucson cowgirl Diane Storms, rekindles the Tucson of old. In fact, that's Storms' aim, to revive Tucson's Wild West traditions, from the sweetheart dances to the casual act of chatting with your neighbors.
About 320 folks showed up last year, and Storms anticipates about 500 might make it out to Friday's dance.
"We enjoyed it very much. My wife and I both like to dance to Western music," says Bud Krietemeyer, a Sonoita cowboy who enjoys dancing with his wife, Lois Krietemeyer.
Bud Krietemeyer, 81, liked the rodeo dances at the Pioneer Hotel held way back when.
"It was always a big hit. This had that kind of feel to it," he says of Storms' event. "We'll be back."
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Faith Boice, a cowgirl from Vail and member of the Rodeo Parade Committee, said they will hold a silent auction to raise money for the parade.
"It's nice to keep the tradition alive," Boice, 35, says of the dance. "It was an outstanding event."
Boice has been cheerleading for Pat James playing again at this year's dance as he did at last year's inaugural event. Storms and Boice first heard of James at the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse up in Cave Creek.
"It was just by chance that we found him," Boice says.
James and his band have a classic country sound that Boice calls "just good, clean fun."
(To learn about James, go online to www.patjames.net).
Tucsonan Bob Stewart says he enjoys dancing, although some of the modern country steps aren't that familiar.
"I thought it was a fascinating event, and it was held at an historic place I didn't even know existed," says Stewart, 72, who said it was like "going back in time."
If you go
• What: Cowgirls w/Heart Rodeo Dance
• When: Friday with happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Music begins at 8 p.m.
• Where: El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th St.
• Tickets: $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Advance tickets available at Boot Barn at 3719 N. Oracle Road, 6701 E. Broadway or 3776 S. 16th Ave.; Vacarro Feed & Livestock Supply, 3301 N. Freeway Road; and at the box office at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
