By Kalika Valentine-Erickson/Winonan

The days are getting cooler and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes is in the air, but Winona Parks and Recreation hosted one last summer dancing event before the leaves change color.

With the Winona bridge against a late summer sunset providing a breathtaking background, Winona residents from every walk of life learned to dance at “Latin at the Levee,” which took place Thursday, Sept. 10 at Levee Park.

Lydia Boysen, recreation coordinator at Winona Parks and Recreation, created the series of dance events last year as a way for residents of Winona to get moving in local parks.

“[Residents should] try experiencing their parks in different ways,” Boysen said.

Molly Breitlow, who teaches the dances along with her husband Stan, explained her involvement with the dancing events.

“We were approached by Lydia Boysen. She told us about her vision of getting community members outside playing in local parks and incorporating dance in that,” Breitlow said.

“Latin at the Levee” was the last of the summer events. Others included “Waltzing in Windom,” “Swinging in Sinclair” and “Merengue at the Market.” This year’s four events were an increase from last year’s three, because of the great turnout.

Breitlow explained how each dance was named.

“We would pick a fun dance style and use alliteration to try to come up with a fun name like ‘Waltzing in Windom’ and ‘Latin at the Levee,’” she said.

The event was open to all ages.

“We’ll see moms with babies as their partner,” Boysen said. “College students, in particular the ballroom dance club on campus. It’s really any age, any ability. You don’t really need any ability; just be excited to dance.”

Breitlow also said that she has seen people ranging from high school to people in their seventies.

“It’s multigenerational,” Breitlow said.

The Winona State Ballroom Dance Club also attends the events.

Erica Stiller, senior and president of the WSU Ballroom Dance Club, commented on the club’s involvement in the summer dance series.

“Stan and Molly Breitlow are good friends of the [Ballroom Dance] Club, since [they are] supporting our efforts to spread the love of social ballroom on campus with their lessons,” Stiller said. “We attend their monthly dances at the Winona Athletic Club quite frequently, and were thrilled last year when they hosted ‘Lindy at the Levee,’ outside by the beautiful Mississippi River. We had such a blast and couldn’t wait to attend the next Parks and Rec dances. They are a great way to mingle with friends, enjoy Winona, and share social ballroom.”

Stiller urges to people to attend the events.

“The events pose a fun, free opportunity to learn how to dance and to enjoy an activity uncommonly enjoyed in this modern day,” Stiller said. “Also, who doesn’t want to meet up with friends out on the town or meet new friends at a welcoming, open social dance event? These events are low stress, high enjoyment and not intimidating if a person just wants to come and have a good time.”

While the outdoor park events are done for the year, dancing is always available through the Ballroom Dance Club on campus and through The River City Dancers, a group that dance instructors Stan and Molly Breitlow are a part of.

“The River City Dancers is a great, great way to learn dance and meet other people in a very low-stress environment,” Breitlow said.