Dozens of islanders packed into Snapdragon’s Black Cat Cabaret the evening of Friday, Dec. 15 to dance the night away with dance group Nomadic Dance.

Dance instructor Sarah Howard, who has led dancing workshops on Vashon Island for eight years, walked visitors at the social dance party through tango, swing, waltzing and more, with tunes running the gamut from oldies to modern hits.

Howard has “dabbled in everything from ballet to belly dancing to cheerleading,” she said, with experience as a dancer for film, TV, corporate parties and live events in the Los Angeles area. She began training in ballroom, Latin and social dances in 2011.

Music and dance are universal parts of the human experience, she said, and events like the dance party offer attendees a chance to physically connect and communicate with people in a way that’s been missing over the last few years, she said.

“Partner dancing in particular relies on connection and clear communication, much like our relationships off the dance floor,” Howard said. “Dance makes us better listeners and speakers.”

Catch Nomadic Dance’s next event at facebook.com/NomadicDanceWorld.

Alex Bruell photo Donna Liberty gets her groove on at the Black Cat Cabaret.

Alex Bruell photo Shannon Seath Meyer and Michal Meyer were among the dancers Friday night at the Black Cat Cabaret.

Alex Bruell photo Sarah Howard demonstrates some steps to dancers at the Black Cat Cabaret.

Michael Meyer dances with his daughter Daalny Meyer. Alex Bruell photo