By Karen Kistler

karen.kistler@salisburypost.com

SPENCER — The love of dancing brought them together, and Francisco and Connie Dinkler Martinez want to share their knowledge and passion for it with the community.

Meeting on an online dating website, Connie said that what caught her attention on his profile was that he liked to dance, and thus the couple began dating.

The couple was married in October 2022 with the Viennese waltz being their first dance, one of at least 20 in their repertoire. Between the two of them, they have 19 years of dancing experience and in April, won a gold medal and best of show at the Cabarrus County Silver Arts dance division competition performing a cha cha routine. They advanced to the state competition where they earned a bronze medal.

A marriage and family therapist since 2015, Connie said she wanted to purchase a building both as an investment and for her practice. With these plans in mind to purchase commercial property, she began to consider finding somewhere they could “convert to a place for dancing so we don’t have to drive all the way to Charlotte or Greensboro.”

It was in May 2021 that the building at 1108 South Salisbury Avenue in Spencer was located and purchased, and by October 2021, her counseling practice was moved to this location.

Just a little over a year ago, Nov. 16, 2022, they obtained a business license for their community family-friendly event space, The Cabana Building, with their first event, a couples’ date night, held in January.

Prior to opening the doors, the family set to work renovating the building, which had been built in 1910, and had through the years housed multiple businesses including a produce stand, lawn mower repair shop, florist and bakery.

Renovations included a new look to the outside of the building with new paint, sidewalk repair, a parking lot, removal of a fence and roof repairs to a myriad of changes taking place inside ranging from new flooring, lighting, sound system and sinks to the replacement of a wall, painting of the entire building and more.

The result was a building that “seems welcoming and casual,” Connie noted. Wanting a name to match that relaxing, tropical feel, The Cabana Building was chosen.

The atmosphere, she said, “is also good for my clients. They walk in and feel very relaxed and calm when they come in.”

Not only does the new look make it appear relaxing and casual, but that’s one of the purposes of the building. They wanted a place that would provide somewhere that the community could come and socialize and have fun in a family friendly atmosphere whether it be for the dances or whatever event is scheduled at the facility.

Connie pointed out that they aren’t a professional studio, which can be intimidating. “We want it very relaxed.”

Francisco shared that their goal of having this space is “we know that perhaps somewhere, there are people that like to enjoy a friendly environment which is not a nightclub but a social environment because this is social, it’s not alcohol involved, it’s just for people who like to dance and have a good time and not be too late” as most of the dances are from 7-10 p.m.

On March 17, their very first Fiesta Friday was held, and they have continued them, hosting one every third Friday for $10 per person offering a time of dancing and socializing. They play salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, rumba, cha cha and more, and prior to each dance, a free beginner lesson is provided at 7 p.m., a different lesson each month.

Water, coffee and chips are provided, but if participants would like to bring a snack to share with others, they may do so as well.

Connie and her daughter, Avalon Bingamon, who is in the process of completing a novel, are both writers, and they offer a free, creative writing group in the space about once a month as well.

“We just come and share what we’ve written and encourage each other,” said Connie, who leads the group.

In addition to the established dance times on Fridays and the writing group, there are special-themed dance events, dance lessons, marriage workshops and art classes that gather at The Cabana Building.

Connie noted they are always looking for dance instructors to teach classes and are also open to other instructors in the community who are interested in teaching classes.

“We are open to a lot of different ideas,” she said.

Francisco also shared about the possibility of having dances for nonprofit organizations which would be able to benefit from the event.

This has been a family venture as Connie said she serves as the event coordinator, coming up with different ideas for events to offer. Francisco, when not working as a produce manager, is the DJ for the dances as well as helping maintain the facility. Avalon helps her mom with set up and decorating for special events. And all three enjoy dancing and helping teach when someone comes and doesn’t know the dance steps or needs a dance partner, which is one thing Connie stressed. No one should let that hinder them from coming.

“We really encourage everyone to switch partners so that everybody gets a chance to dance. Now if you come with a partner and you don’t want to change, that’s fine. We don’t want anyone worrying about not having a partner.”

There’s still lots of things they want to do including additional renovations or additions like an outdoor dance area and offering a Karaoke night, a variety of additional classes and dances and live music.

Connie shared that she has lots of plans in her mind for the future, but it will take time to save money to make them happen.

But they do have some fun events on the calendar coming up for the community to enjoy.

Dec. 1 will be Kizomba night with Latin dancing and an emphasis on Kizomba, a dance musical genre originating from Angola.

Dec. 3 is the free creative writing group gathering.

Jan 6 is a salsa boot camp. This 3-hour salsa lesson will cover the fundamentals of salsa, partner work and technique. Cost is $30 per person.

Feb. 10 will be a special Valentine’s Date night package for couples with a catered meal and a free dance lesson in a romantic atmosphere. Connie shared that, as a therapist, she anticipates putting together some couples’ activities as well.

Those interested in attending the Valentine’s event should register in advance as the meal is catered.

Participants for the bootcamp may also register in advance.

For additional information, call them at 704-603-4530, email dancecabanabuilding.net or visit their website at www.thecabanabuilding.net or Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheDanceCabana.

While the space offers lots of opportunities to have fun and learn, there are additional reasons the couple would encourage people to visit including helping those who have a hard time making friends, something that is common for many older adults, Connie shared.

Dancing is also good for weight loss, and as you learn new dances, it’s good for your memory as well.

“There’s a lot of people that enjoy dance,” Francisco said, “and we want to be the venue for them.”