GALT, CA (MPG) - On Sunday, Feb. 1, Pastosa by Lucia turned its dining area into a dance floor, hosting a line-dance workshop as part of an ongoing series at the restaurant. Attendees learned to two-step to songs such as “Boots on the Ground” by 803 Fresh and “Early in the Morning” by Charlie Wilson, all while enjoying a lively social atmosphere.

With D.J. Cookie Doe on the mixer, the evening offered a mix of instruction, music and mingling. The event was led by Terrell Renee, a Herald resident, seasoned professional dancer and local entrepreneur who owns G.O.A.T Yoga, where she teaches yoga classes featuring baby goats. Renee’s dance background includes performances with artists like Ariana Grande, Charlie Wilson, Keke Palmer and Train. 

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Renee said line dancing and social dancing were part of everyday life back home. 

 

With D.J. Cookie Doe on the mixer, the evening of Feb. 1 offered a mix of line dance instruction, music and mingling at “Club Pastosa” at 5435 Industrial Drive.

“Dancing was something people of all ages did together, not as a performance, but as a way to connect,” she said. “Line dancing at Pastosa started from a shared desire to create something that feels welcoming, social and genuinely enjoyable.”

Renee described the workshops as beginner-friendly, with a “no-pressure” atmosphere for attending solo or with a friend.

“The goal wasn’t just to teach steps, but to create a space where people can relax, move their bodies and feel comfortable being themselves,” Renee added. 

More than 10 attendees took part in the Feb. 1 workshop, leaving with the line dance to two songs under their belts by the end of the night.

 

Terrell Renee, front and center, is a Herald resident and professional dancer who leads the workshop series at “Club Pastosa,” offering beginner-friendly instruction backed by experience for dancing with artists like Ariana Grande and Charlie Wilson.

Jacquie Rye, who learned about the event through Facebook, said she already knew some basic line dances but wanted to expand her skills through the workshop.

“These ones got different moves; it’s not your electric slide…,” Rye said, adding that she felt confident after learning from Renee and planned to practice the steps at home.

Gabriella Cello, daughter of the owner of Pastosa by Lucia and part of the restaurant’s management, said hosting an evening event series is a first for the business.

Normally open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Pastosa is known for its homemade pasta, sauces, ravioli, bread and tiramisu. Now, the restaurant is occasionally staying open later to welcome guests after hours to “Club Pastosa” for a social hour and line dance classes.

 

Attendees learned to two-step to songs such as “Boots on the Ground” by 803 Fresh and “Early in the Morning” by Charlie Wilson, all while enjoying a lively social atmosphere on Sunday, Feb. 1.

The partnership with Renee developed organically, Cello said, after she recognized her and her partner from G.O.A.T Yoga and bonded over the idea of creating a lively, community-focused space at Pastosa.

“I really loved what they were about,” Cello said. “I always wanted to do something like this, but I didn’t have the right team. So now that I have them in my life, we can offer a space for the community to come and let go of worry.”

For those interested in attending the next event, a line dance workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at Pastosa by Lucia, 5435 Industrial Drive. To register, visit bit.ly/4rwFLdv (case sensitive).