For those who don't know the wonder and joy that is swing dancing I'm setting up an account to fill them in. I set up a group before but I guess nobody really looks at groups on myspace!!
Ever wanted to do something different at nighttime other than stumble out of a pub after sitting on your ass for 6 hours straight? Well there are great things going on in this city that involve getting up off your ass and moving around rhythmically.
Swing might be commonly associated with the 50's and there is a modern version taught here in Dublin called East Coast Swing but it actually started way back in the 20's with Lindy Hop, a more complicated form of swing.
You might have taught the 1920's was an old fashioned time but back then kids could dance and I mean really swing and they did it late into the night.
What was even better was the music. The Big Band era was born and dance halls were blaring out music that even today can't help but inspire you to dance.
When was the last time a man could embrace a woman like this on the dancefloor without mace or a swift kick to the balls?
WHERE?
Thankfully swing dancing is still going across the world and we have a fantastic group of people here in Dublin that are willing to teach it to you! If you're curious to have a look or even give it a go yourself then be sure to drop by to the Palace on Camden Street (oh the memories!)on a Wednesday night. There's a drop in class that starts at 8pm which introduces you to the basic steps and how to do one move that you can practice when the class finishes. Music plays from 9 onwards and we have a social dancefloor which basically means you can practice dancing to your hearts content. Whatever level it seems people are at we're all learners and we all make mistakes (anyone see that headbutt I did last week?) so don't be shy because you don't know how to dance!
TELL ME MORE!
"Route 66". It's not just a bus route :p It's 8 euro for the class and for the evening of dancing and don't be surprised if it soon replaces Saturday night as your favourite night of the week. Come along for a few weeks and learn the basic Swing steps and if you're feeling adventurous you might sign up to some of the classes the instructors offer. At least this way if you don't like it you haven't spent a hundred euro committing to something! P.S. It's 12 euro on the night we have a live band but you won't complain you spent the extra 4 euro...trust me!
So do come along and try dancing...and try to bring men...more men! We need them! We always have more girls!
If the usual 2 to 1 girl statistic wasn't enough to entice them...jeez.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Most people just wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes. It's very hot dancing for the evening so it's not a bad idea to bring a spare top if you plan on doing a lot of dancing. Sometimes we like to dress up in swing gear (and if you're Chris you wear your fancy clothes every week ;) )but don't worry about it. Everyone is just there to dance and have some fun. If you like wearing dresses or some nice slacks (whatever you're into!) don't be shy! We have people still in their suits from work, there's no dress code. Just be comfortable and have fun :)
IS IT FULL OF GRANNIES?!
Hell no. We all used to model for Vogue until we discovered the joy of dancing and now all our beauty is trapped in the Camden palace. Something like that. Did I say Vogue? I meant Penneys :p
Just kidding. Swing dancing is of course open to all ages, you just have to be fit enough to dance (or give it your best shot. There are lots of dancers in their 20s and 30s but we have dancers of all ages that would put any of us to shame! It's not about looking great or trying to speed date as some people seem to think it is. We can't all help being so damn beautiful. Dancing is a great way to meet people of all ages that love dancing and music for what it is, people who can't stop tapping their feet. Frankie Manning is 93 years of age and is probably the most sought after male swing dancer in the world. Hell knows if I don't get to dance with him when he gets here in October I'll cry myself to sleep :'(
DO I HAVE TO BRING A PARTENR?
Nope! Don't worry, most people come on their own as they don't like making a tit of themselves in front of their friends (Or so I say). You dance with partners for a few minutes at a time so it doesn't matter if you bring someone with you or not.
SO ...JUST WEDNESDAY THEN?
HA HA! No we manage to make it stretch out across the week.
There are Lindy Hop lessons on Monday nights in the Dance Academy beside Sin É on the Quays...Tuesdays Jessica has jazz steps and Lindy Hop lessons at Dance House on Foley Street. Wednesdays is East Coast and the Social dancefloor above called "Route 66". There are other lessons going on in different parts of the city, the details of which can be found on the main swing websites for Dublin.
Jessica
Jamie and Clare
Added to that we have workshops and special clubs called "The Vertical Rhythm Club" which runs the odd Saturday night. Here the old sounds from the 30s and 40s are blared out while we wear our Sunday best and dance the night away. You might even catch some dancers around town at some of the great music nights that are on.
Big bands play Sunday night in 4 Dame Lane and Monday night in the Bleu Note on Capel Street. Saturday nights see a great live jazz band in the Mint in the Westin Hotel (and it's free!)
Every second Friday McGruders is home to a kickass club called Rocket 88. Here you'll see some spontaneous Lindy, jive and East Coast swing while the djs play their rockin rockabilly sounds.
