By Eleni Himaras, Staff Writer

Swing, salsa and a splash of wine reeled in about 100 dancers at One World Theatre’s recent first-ever Hot Salsa and Cool Swing event.

Attendees were treated to an hour of wine tasting from Glazer, an hour of dance lessons from All Ways Dance owner Sabrina Barker-Truscott, and an hour of grooving on two floors; one with DJ Trey Lopez blasting swinging jams and one with Charanga Cakewalk setting the mood for salsa.

“This is the first time we’re doing this,” said One World co-founder Hartt Stearns. “We’d like to do it on a regular basis – everyone is really excited about it.”

Future incarnations will likely feature varying themes based around a particular music or dance genre.

After an hour of conversation and sampling wines from the United States and abroad, the crowd worked up the confidence to try out some new moves. In a scene familiar to every high school gymnasium, the men lined up on one side with the women on the other. In the middle, former competitive ballroom dancer Sabrina Barker-Truscott stood opposite her fellow dance instructor, Curtis Prevost.

Step by step, Barker-Truscott led the women and Prevost led the men. After a few tries of various steps solo, the lines converged and real dancing commenced. Barker-Truscott frequently called out for everyone to change partners and by the end of the night, nearly everyone in attendance had taken a turn on the floor. 

“They were one of the most willing and enthusiastic groups I’ve ever taught,” said former competitive ballroom dancer Sabrina Barker-Truscott. 

She’s been a One World sponsored artists for nearly a decade and jumped at the opportunity to help with the theater’s first multi-level dancing event.

“I love getting people up that say they can’t dance, I think that’s what holds people back the most,” she said. “But having a comfortable environment like this that’s not a club or bar, I think really helps… This is such a beautiful, warm space.”

The evening finished out with Charange Cakewalk helping convert the upstairs theater into a Latin Club with swirling red and blue lights while DJ Trey Lopez kept swing music bumping on the first floor, which is actually sprung specifically for ballroom dancing.

“Sabrina is a longtime teacher of ours and she told us about the event,” said Northwest Austin Resident Laura Blackburn, who was tearing up the dance floor with partner Stephen Ogletree. 

While they said they enjoyed the event, they both said swing was far more their style. 

Other upcoming events at One World Theatre include:

• Aug. 21, 7 p.m.: Larry Gatlin, once named Academy of Country Music’s top male vocalist, has been making music for more than 40 years.

• Aug. 23, 1 p.m.: Javier Chaparro, Nada Stearns & The Eclectic Combo featuring Paul Glasse, Lead Mandolin; Kyle Schurig, Guitar; Terry Hale-Bass, Art Kidd-Drums, Chris Rose-Cajon Public Show.

• Aug. 27, 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Blood, Sweat & Tears with Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night. 

• Aug. 28, 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Paula Poundstone performs standup comedy. 

• Aug. 30, 1 p.m.: Chamber Music in Public Schools  will present three of the finest middle and high school quartets representing schools from Round Rock, Austin and Eanes Independent School Districts.

• Aug. 30, 7 p.m.: Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel will perform his unique “finger style” guitar playing.

• Sept. 6, 1 p.m.: The Austin Troubadours will perform their medieval and renaissance Mediterranean instrumental and vocal music. 

• Sept. 18, 7 and 9:30 p.m.: Guitars and Saxes featuring Euge Groove, Jeff Lorber, Jeff Colub and Jesse J will perform. 

• Sept. 25. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Dale Watson will open for Ray Price, one of country music’s greatest innovators. 

For a full list of events, tickets or more information, visit www.OneWorldTheatre.org or call 329-6753.