LAKE HAVASU CITY – Local Lake Havasu dance instructor Tyanna Renee invites all levels to participate in the upcoming Havasu Nights auditions. Whether you’re an expert at line dancing, somewhere in between, or in the beginner stages, the opportunity is open to everyone. Throughout the bulk of her formative years, the teacher started out cheerleading and by age eighteen, Renee had developed close friendships with people in the line dancing community. With the encouragement from her inner circle to teach locally, she began giving classes at venues like the Flying X Saloon, Nautical Beachfront Resort, and Bunker Bar. Popularity of the dance classes inspired her to launch dance team Desert Country Sidewinders.
“I started the “Desert Country” group on Facebook to just let people know about different lessons and such in Havasu and bring the community together. After that it turned into opportunities for everyone in the dance community to join in on things like performing on McCulloch for Halloween and now Wake the Lake,” Renee said.
On the set of the 2022 music video shot on the local Dixie Belle for the song ‘Have a few in Havasu, is where the instructor met Gas Lamp music promoter Jason Roberts. As a current Huntington Beach resident, Roberts was there doing promotions for the performers of the tune by Shotgun Jefferson. Over time, Renee and Roberts bonded over their shared interest in country music and line dancing. As a music booking agent for the past nineteen years, Roberts is well connected with musicians and various community concerts. Through this field, Roberts met legendary country musician Whey Jennings and to this day, Roberts and Jennings remain good friends.
Specifically catered to Jennings’ music, Renee and Roberts came up with the idea to create Havasu Nights line dance instruction last year. It turned out to be the fuel that inspired invites for residents to audition for Jennings’ upcoming April performance at Wake the Lake concert. Before the actual auditions, Renee will be providing dance lessons of a choreographed routine for beginners or anyone looking to improve their moves. The teacher, along with two other judges, will then go into the auditioning portion to evaluate each participant on technique and stage presence. Renee will focus on both skills for those selected to dance at the concert, as well as join Desert Country Sidewinders.
In the coming weeks, judges are giving anyone interested three shots at auditioning. The first chance will be Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bunker Bar located at 6942 Thirsty Lizard Rd. The following week, the second round will take place on Wednesday, March 18 at the Nautical Beach Resort on 1000 McCulloch Blvd N. Also happening at Nautical Beachfront Resort, final auditions will be on Friday, April 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The collaborator’s goal is to generate excitement for the Wake the Lake performances by including community involvement that is free for everybody as well as enjoyable. For Renee, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the transition of the participants. ” I like that the lessons build confidence with people when they finally learn the steps,” Renee said.
Phaedra Veronique
