by Janet Smellie
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 04/97) - Who says the days of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire are dead and gone?

The fact is ballroom dancing across the country is fast becoming a popular pastime for many people, with competitions held in almost every province.

Vicenta Bugg, who's been offering classes in dancing for about 10 years in Yellowknife, has been busy lately gearing up for a special revival gala she's offering at the end of the month.

Bugg says she's extremely pleased that top junior competitor Brittany Hill has accepted her invitation to perform at the gala.

Hill is a 12-year-old who's already the Western Canadian top junior competitor. Recently, at the International Grand Ball Championship in San Francisco, Hill finished first in every category including the Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango.

Gearing up for the biggest competition in North America, The Ohio Star Ball this fall, Hill and her coach Kieth Letourneau will offer local workshops for Bugg's students.

"The gala is a great chance for people to get all dressed up and dance to the wonderful big band sounds," Bugg said. "It's the only formal event in town and women just love it.

Bugg, who held similar galas in the past, stopped offering them three years ago, but has had so many inquiries, decided to hold another one this spring.

Scheduled for the Explorer Hotel for April 26, the night includes cocktails, dinner and an exhibition by Letourneau and Hill.

"We look forward to performing for you at the end of April. We've been putting some extra special steps in our routines. This will be our first trip to Yellowknife and we're excited," Letourneau said.

Bugg says the evening will also offer a demonstration by her own students.

"We've been working really hard. The students can't wait to see their performance."

Tickets are $50 per person and available at the Explorer Hotel and Asian Food Store on 51st Street.