Welcome, Jacksonville Swing Dancers!

Hey Everyone. Scott here. Sorry I have been away - doing competition in Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing!
This is a group to let people know where and when Swing Dance events are happening in JACKSONVILLE and the surrounding areas.
I'll keep our calendar up to date BUT DO NOT RSVP "NO" to any events. I get copies of every time to ensure I can contact those who RSVP "YES" and check up with them to ensure they enjoy it. If you don't want to/can't go - DON'T RSVP.

So for everyone looking for places to go and/or learn, here are a few suggestions.

1. Stay away from Dance Studios - they really have some nasty tactics. I know this from personal experience.

2. Try Debi Dillow's West Coast Swing class Tuesday nights at Cuba Libre on Atlantic Avenue. Beginner's lesson starts on Sep 22. 2009 at 5:30 PM. Costs $50 for 6 weeks of groups. She taught me and I took first place in Miami Dance Magic in my division this year. Google Debi Dillow Jacksonville for more info.

3. Come out to "Swing Shift" Wednesday night in Fernandina Beach. FREE lesson at 8 PM followed by social dancing in "Indigo Alley" located at 315 Centre Street for East Coast Swing.\\

OR
"THE TWISTED MARTINI" at the Landing has free Swing lessons and social dancing starting at 6:30 PM every Wednesday.

4. Sunday nights at Avondale Dance, there are $10 West Coast Swing lesson followed by social dancing. I can't remember the address but googling Avondale DanceJacksonville should get you it. Otherwise google Ceroc US Jackonsville. They run it and also teach Ceroc (UK Modern Jive)

5. If you want, I can hook you up with some affordable dance teachers. Downside for the guys- they are guys. Upside; one was the top ranked "amateur" in West Coast Swing in the Nation last year. The other is probably taking it this year. And the guys will know the guy parts better. For girls - you're all set. they are tons of fun! I also know one girl who might still teach, but the guys might be able to give you better leads on Teachers. If you want their names email me on this with the subject "swing instructors".

6. MORE UPCOMING NEWBIE FRIENDLY SWING NIGHTS with possible live bands IN THE WORKS. WILL HAVE RUNNING BY END OF OCTOBER (hopefully)

7. When you feel ready - explore. In two to three months, take a trip to Orlando on Friday nights for UCF SwingKnights or Saturday nights at the Whirl N Twirl. Both are wonderful places to learn Lindy Hop - the original and truest form of Swing Dancing, Both are still East Coast Swing friendly enviroments.
Or try Tampa on Sunday nights at a place called Zendah Grotto. Ignore the "Jitterbug" lessons there - they will give you bad habits.

8. Continue to practice West Coast Swing at Club Savoy on Saturdays nights on Arlington Road in JAX.
DO all of this, and you will learn to swing.

Lastly, on random Saturdays, Deantha will host a ballroom-esque dance night at the Whole Food at
10601 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, Fl 32257. They're still solidifying which ones and hopefully will get on a steady schedule. This is pretty heavily into social East Coast Swing/Lindy Hop/Cha-Cha/Salsa, but tons of fun.
GOOD LUCK! Keep on Swinging!

Scott