While some people spent summer Thursdays watching "So You Think You Can Dance," others made the show a reality on Landmark Plaza.
For two months, the Ordway's Summer Dance Series brought a wide variety of dancing styles -- from salsa to reggae -- to the streets of St. Paul. After getting a quick lesson from a pro, families, couples and singles took part in the dance of the evening.
A recent Irish-themed night featured "Riverdance"-style step-dancing instruction and a full set from the Belfast Cowboys, while regulars showed off their fancy footwork.
"You can't beat outdoor dancing," said Debbie Sonsalla, who went almost every week with her partner, Mark Cohen. Her favorite theme of the summer was "polka, because we don't get to do so often."
Margi Youmans came from St. Louis Park because she likes "to dance and it's a free event."
The evening attracted a few people who traveled a bit farther to sample a bit of Minnesota-style Irish culture, including Ashleigh Bingham. The Belfast resident was in Minnesota as a chaperone for the Children's Program of Northern Ireland. She came expecting to see some of her countrymen. "It's not the real Belfast cowboys, but the Minnesota version is still pretty good."
Sometimes you never know where your travels -- or luck -- will take you.
