Palomar Smooth Dancers Coronation Report  

By Queen Laura Encinas

Visalia Smooth Dancers 

My third coronation duty as the Visalia Smooth Dancers Chapter Queen occurred on October 4, 2025 at the Palomar Smooth Dancers Coronation. The evening’s theme was “Birds of a Feather Dance Together,” a beautiful celebration honoring Queen-Elect Penny Elliot. The formal event was held at Ocean Hills Country Club in Oceanside.  Penny’s chosen colors were Royal Blue and Teal, elegantly represented by the peacock, a symbol of beauty, grace, and confidence – all qualities Queen Penny displayed throughout the evening. 

Upon arriving Saturday afternoon, we were warmly welcomed by the queens and guests at the hospitality gathering held on the patio just outside the Ocean Hills Country Club ballroom.  They prepared an impressive spread of delicious food, including fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, crackers, assorted meats, desserts, and both red and white wine.  It was a lovely 70-degree day, just perfect for mingling and enjoying the beautiful atmosphere.  We had such a wonderful time visiting with all the queens and guests.  It was the perfect start to an elegant evening.   

For the Queen’s Procession, each of us was presented with a beautiful navy-blue rhinestone jewelry set consisting of a necklace, earrings, and a crown to wear as we, the queens and our escorts, made our grand entrance into the ballroom.  The Queen’s Dance featured Queen Penny and her escort Danny Caraza, dancing gracefully to “Into the Blue” by the Alec Medina Orchestra.  The Honor Dance was performed by Carrie Kloss and Mike Cowlishaw to “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis.  Following these touching performances, all the queens joined together for the All-Queens Dance, a lovely display of unity and friendship.   

Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner catered by Hunter Steakhouse, followed by an evening of general dancing.  The evening also included several delightful exhibition dances: 

-- Lynn and Marvin Wheeler performed a smooth foxtrot to “You Make Me Feel So Young” by Louis Funny Group. 

-- Carrie and Mike danced beautifully to “Sway” by Osi Tejerina. 

-- Lynn and Marvin presented a Viennese waltz to “Potter Waltz” by Patrick Doyle. 

The Farewell Ball concluded at 10 p.m., marking the end of a truly memorable evening.   

The next morning, we gathered once again for a lovely continental breakfast in the Mykonos Room at the Ocean Hills Country Club.  Breakfast featured eggs prepared in several styles, assorted breads, and an array of fresh fruits.  It was a delicious and joyful way to end the weekend as we bid farewell to Debbie Atherton and Carol Kimmett, both crowning queens for the Palomar Chapter.   

The Palomar Smooth Dancers’ coronation was a truly memorable and joy-filled event.  I felt honored to represent the Visalia Chapter and to share in the celebration of Queen Penny’s special evening. The warmth, hospitality, and camaraderie among all the chapters made this coronation especially meaningful.  I am deeply grateful for the friendships I continue to build through Smooth Dancers and for the opportunity to serve as Queen.  It is an experience I will always cherish.