So, happy New Year - again. I mean, since last year's greeting, of course. Odd, isn't it, that we rely on a date on the calendar to tell us when to begin. Well, you have to begin somewhere - so since this is beginning of a new year, might as well begin something. How about learning to dance?

Just social dancing. C'mon, don't just shuffle this idea to one side. You are looking, aren't you, for a little physical exercise (good for you) in a social setting (also good for you), and development of cognitive activities that help your brain stay young and functioning. Yup. Learning to dance can do all of that for you - and more.

Semiahmoo Arts (at Centennial Park, 14600 North Bluff Rd., White Rock) is offering two sessions of dance classes by well known dance instructor Nick Zwager. OK, I tried to appeal to your desire to get brain and body fit (and younger), but the arts council of White Rock/South Surrey has taken a different approach to drawing interest to these beginner dance classes: "Winter is here. so why not stay close and warm with that special someone, or perhaps meet the soulmate of your dreams and learn to boogie those winter nights away?"

The sessions start Jan. 13 and run on Sunday evenings, with "Simply Jive" and "Dancing for Fun" themes. Everyone is welcome, but these classes are primarily designed for the beginner. To register, visit www.semiahmooarts. com; for more information, contact Mr. Zwager via 778990 4222 or nickzwager@ gmail.com. Don't wait.

As with all recreational classes, without sufficient enrollment, there is danger of cancellation. Take a chance, do it now. I think you'll really enjoy the experience.

Surrey Little Theatre's next offering, Bermuda Avenue Triangle, is a story about beginnings as well. Two elderly widows - one Jewish (Fanny, played by Kate Cuvelier Major) and the other Italian-Catholic (Tess, played by Laurie Kortschuk) - are set up in an upscale Las Vegas retirement condo by their career-oriented daughters (played by TerryFord and Lisa Beaulieu). Trapped by years of unhappiness, Fanny weeps and Tess does nothing but complain. But that all changes when these two ladies cross paths with a charming scoundrel, Johnny Paolucci (Peter Cowhig), who rocks their worlds.

Fanny and Tess undergo a grand metamorphosis from being two baggy, grey-haired old biddies into a pair of glam-rock golden girls. It's an adult comedy with some coarse language - a PG13 warning. Bermuda Avenue Triangle runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 16. For details, go to www.surreylittletheatre. com. Tickets are only $15, so you can afford to take dance lessons and go to a show.

You never know, this could be the beginning of a whole new you for the New Year.

One more thought - or reminder: Arts Club Theatre Company is touring with Henry and Alice: Into the Wild, at Surrey Arts Centre's main stage from Jan. 15 to 26. Tickets are $25 to $43, including all fees. Student Rush seats are $15, subject to availability 30 minutes before curtain. Call 604-501-5566 or visit tickets.surrey.ca.

Patrons who purchase tickets to the opening night show (Jan. 15) are invited to arrive a bit early to relax, socialize and enjoy complimentary appetizers, from 7 p.m. Just think of it as a continuation of your New Year's Eve party. And Surrey Arts Centre has more to offer than just a pre-party: Patrons who are blind or partially sighted can enjoy an enhanced theatre experience at the 4 p.m. performance on Jan. 26 with VocalEye audio description. VocalEye patrons are eligible for a $25 ticket price. VocalEye equipment is limited, so reserving ahead is recommended.

melminty@telus.net