Leatherwood launched her events business, Great Gatherings Green, on Sept. 28 and has spearheaded planning this dance entirely by herself. The name of her business, originally Great Gatherings, goes back to Leatherwood’s time in college when she had to create a business plan. Leatherwood then spent time working in a law office in Hollywood, going to extravagant events, which continued to inspire her vision. 

After moving back to Sacramento to take care of her mother, Leatherwood now has the time and freedom to put energy into event planning. 

Leatherwood said she was inspired to plan the Singles Dance after spending time taking care of her mom. Leatherwood also lost a beloved pet earlier this year, and rather than wallowing in grief, planning the dance became a positive distraction.

She hopes that the event will allow seniors such as her mother to have a fun night out with the planning aspect taken care of for them. 

Leatherwood aims to fill a gap in the senior community with these dances. According to Leatherwood, a singles dance to this scale hasn’t taken place since January. 

For Leatherwood, the dance is an opportunity for seniors to toss out their worries for an evening and celebrate their life milestones.

“I just want them to leave happy,” Leatherwood said. 

While the dance provides an opportunity to socialize and make new acquaintances, Leatherwood said the dance is not limited to just singles. Seniors who simply love to dance are invited to come out and enjoy the evening as well. 

The event’s DJ, Glenn Roberts, will play a variety of music throughout the evening; Leatherwood hopes to cater to a variety of generations and music preferences from Big Band, to the Beach Boys to Madonna. Leatherwood hopes the music will invoke a sense of nostalgia, “like the songs we remember listening to growing up.” Guests will be able to request songs at the dance as well. 

Leatherwood’s vision of Second Saturday Dance Club is constantly evolving: in the future she hopes her dances will include a professional dance instructor, a palm reader, a vintage photo booth and even a dance competition where dance companies in the region can send their dancers to compete for a panel of judges. 

Leatherwood’s dreams for Second Saturday Dance Club are big, but she had to start somewhere. November’s dance will feature photo opportunities with props, luxurious door prizes and a cash bar. Leatherwood said she’s going to keep going and won’t quit on her dream, even if she doesn’t make a profit from the November dance. Overcoming fear was a crucial step for Leatherwood in making Second Saturday Dance Club come to life.

The Second Saturday dance in January, which falls on Jan. 10, will focus on tossing out post-holiday blues and February’s theme will lean into all things Marti Gras, with the second Saturday of the month landing on Feb. 14, Valentines Day. 

Doors will open at 7 p.m. for the Nov. 8 dance. with an ice breaker and mixer taking place before the dance floor opens and goes until 11 p.m. The Marriott is offering discounted rooms to those attending the dance.

Leatherwood is on a mission to fill the 300-capacity ballroom in Rancho Cordova. Admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, email [email protected].