By ELISE DALLEY
The Progress
The exhilaration of dancing, the catchy tune of an upbeat country song, and the joy that comes from mingling with friends was the perfect combination at a Community Barn Dance event held by the Moapa Valley Teen Leadership Core (TLC) on Saturday evening, November 5.
The Barn Dance, held in the Hardy Livestock Pavilion at the Clark County Fairgrounds, began at 7:30 pm and lasted until about 10 PM. The TLC invited all of the public to this event as a chance for them to build friendships and have a good time.
The TLC is a youth-led 4-H organization with a focuse on bringing youth closer together, as well as forming connections within the community. The Barn Dance is one of the many events they have planned in order to fulfill this mission.
TLC previously hosted a similar Barn Dance on the Fourth of July. This was a big success and many people gave positive feedback- requesting yet another such event.
After consideration, teen and adult leaders agreed the best time to do another event was immediately after the Pomegranate Arts Festival.
Last week’s Barn Dance had a snack/drink table, festive lights, lively music, and it even offered country swing instruction. Kelly and Tyson Houston taught some swing dance moves to the crowd, which was well received.
“We would like to do this monthly,” said TLC adult advisor Dianna Walker. “It’s a big interest in the community, and I think the more we do it, the more people will come.”
TLC member Shaylee Adams, a senior at MVHS, was happy with the turnout. “We always get a lot of youth in attendance, which is really awesome!” she said. “We love being able to plan events that bridge the community together, and where everyone can come and just have fun together. It’s something that anyone can participate in.”
Averi Winward, a sophomore at MVHS explained, “The Barn Dance was lots of fun. It’s much better than being at home on a night where I was planning on doing nothing!”
Admission to the event was $5 per person, or $20 per family. The TLC accepts donations as well. All the proceeds will go towards the TLC putting on a mental health fair on November 29. The mental health fair will consist of two assemblies, one for Moapa Valley High School, and one for Mack Lyon Middle School. Then, during the evening, special mental health speakers will give presentations at the high school, which will be open to the whole community.
“It will be money well spent to get them here, in order to give support to the youth of the community, especially after the pandemic,” said Walker.
