Beyond the Brochure: The Story Behind the Steps at Doc's Dance Hall in Delphos, Ohio

Stomp, shimmy, quarter turn … kick your toe, and let it burn! (Or at least that’s what I thought I heard.)  It sounded like a page from a Dr. Suess book. I was trying hard to listen to the instructor while blocking out the vision of myself looking like a character from Whoville. This was the first night of the weekly line dancing at Doc’s Dance Hall in Delphos. 

A Big City Vibe with Small-Town Charm

Doc’s Dance Hall is a brand new venue located in Delphos right in the middle of Main Street. It gives the vibe of a big city lounge, but with the familiarity of Cheers, where you feel right at home. You can immediately notice that a great deal of design and functionality went into the planning of this brand new building. The acoustics in the room are outstanding with beautiful sound panels built right into the decorative wall archways. There are also flat screen monitors strategically mounted around the room so you always feel like you’re right up front with the action. 

Learning the Ropes (and the Steps)

The floor was full of people (I’d say half with fashionable cowboy boots and half with trusty tennis shoes), and thankfully a very forgiving instructor that doesn’t judge but just wants to see everyone have a good time. I quickly discovered that my specialties of the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle were outdated, while I learned “Tipsy” and something called the “Cupid Flex”. My ears were trying to catch the beat, my eyes glued to the instructor, and my brain was doing mental gymnastics trying to piece it all together. What were my legs doing? Well, that's anyone's guess! But it was so much fun, and everyone else on the floor seemed to be having fun too. So in the end, does it really matter how well I danced? My cue for a break came when the instructor started to teach a dance called the “Church Clap” which involved doing a high kick while jumping on one foot and clapping your hands beneath the opposite knee. It was a beautiful, gravity-defying maneuver that, for me, spelled certain doom on the dance floor.

A Bar with a Story and Whimsical Details

Being thirsty, I bellied up to the very impressive bar. (I can personally vouch for the mango daquiri. It was refreshing!) The magnificent bar is inlaid with historical Delphos Canal memorabilia which piqued my interest while waiting for my order.  The décor and details they’ve incorporated into this venue are as unique as they are entertaining. Even the ceiling above the bar is beautiful. If you venture to the restroom, I encourage you to ponder the whimsical quote by Doc’s wife. And I promise that you have never seen wallpaper like what you’ll see in there. 

The Sweetest Dance: A Lifetime of Love

But the sweetest part was early in the night watching “Doc” Miller himself and his lovely bride, Dorothy, glide across the floor for the first inaugural dance. All eyes were on them, as they performed their own special steps that were created over a lifetime of dancing together.

Your Dance Floor Awaits

So, whether you're a seasoned line dancer or just curious to try a new step, Doc's Dance Hall is calling your name! They've got line dancing lessons every Thursday, and for those who prefer a two-step, Tuesdays are your night. Check out their website for the full schedule and all the details. And if you're planning a celebration – wedding, corporate event, or anything in between – Doc's is the perfect spot to make it unforgettable. Now, get out there and dance!