Friday, September 5th, Swing Time hosts the Beach Bash -- a tropical, retro-themed, swingin' surf party -- at Centro Asturiano in Tampa.  It's time to put together your craziest outfit from the early 1960's, pile high that bouffant or beehive hairdo, or go tropical with your wildest Surfin' duds or Hawaiian dress or shirt!  Prizes will be awarded for the best outfits.

The Beach Bash features Jennifer & the Venturas, like you've never seen them before!  In addition to their spectrum of swinging standards -- a versatile mix of styles covering every genre from jazz to jump, jive, rhythm & blues -- the band will be mixing in some surf style to jibe with the theme!  Joining the band will be a special guest on sax, plus Jen on guitar!

Join the excitement Every Wednesday at Tampa Bay's hottest weekly Swing Night!  This high-energy social event happens in the beautiful waterfront ballroom of the Gulfport Casino, which boasts one of the biggest & best dance floors anywhere.  Admission is just $6, which includes a free lesson.  Parking is free and all ages are welcome!  The historic Gulfport Casino is located in the St Petersburg area.  It provides a smoke-free atmosphere and a full bar. 

Swing Sundays are put on by the Suncoast Swing Gang.  The Zendah Grotto features a large floating-wood dance floor, free parking, and you may BYOB or buy soft drinks & snacks at the door.  Map or More Info.

(Note: If you're interested in the Swing I classes, these are the intro classes we teach at the start of every event.  See event descriptions and click here for details.)

Swing II (8:30-9:30pm, 4-week class):  Add style to your swing dancing!  Learn Turning & Spinning technique, Cool Moves, Footwork Variations, Multiple Turns, Dips, Leans, and More!  This class will make you a better leader or follower and get you ready for Lindy Hop and other dances.  PREREQUISITES:  You've been swing dancing at least two months (and maybe years).  You know the basics, a number of moves, and you're comfortable leading or following a variety of partners.  You can swing at a variety of tempos and stay with the music.

Lindy Hop I (7:30-8:30pm, 4-week class):  Lindy Hop Made Easy!  Our innovative teaching methods (no math or counting required) will have you Swinging Out, Circling, and moving to the Lindy Hop in no time!  Whether you're new to Lindy Hop or have taken several classes, try this one out -- we know you'll like it!  PREREQUISITES:  Swing II or at least one year of swing-dance experience. Proficiency with the Swing II material (including single-, double-, and triple-step) is required.

Lindy Hop II (6:30-7:30pm, 4-week class):  Expand your Lindy Hop with a variety of Lindy Moves, Swing Out Variations, Turns, the Charleston, and Charleston Variations!  Also learn the Swing Rueda, an exciting new group dance!  PREREQUISITES:  Lindy Hop I or Try Out with Instructor.

Classes start September 4th.  No partner needed.  Limited space available -- Advance reservation required.  Click here for Details or to Reserve your Space!

August 2003 was a record month for Swing Time, as these ever-popular live-music swing events set back-to-back attendance records, first at Centro Asturiano in Tampa, and two weeks later at the Gulfport Casino!  Channel 10 (CBS) was at Centro Asturiano for August 1st's record-breaking Swing Time Big Band Night.  The story aired on Monday, August 25th, but you can still click here to watch it online!  If you were at August 1st's event, you might just see yourself on video!

"A HUGE THANK-YOU!  ...to everyone who came out to Friday August 1st's record-breaking Swing Time Big Band Night at Centro Asturiano!  With over 400 swing enthusiasts in the house, not only did we set a new attendance record, but outside of Coliseum events, this marks the biggest swing event to hit Tampa Bay since 1999!  MANY THANKS ALSO  ...to all who turned out to Friday August 15th's record-setting event at the Gulfport Casino!  Swing Time with the Blue Dukes was not only great fun, but with well over 300 swing enthusiasts in the house, it set a new Swing Time attendance record for the Gulfport Casino!  Thanks to everyone for your tremendous outpouring of support!"  -- Sam & Rachel

The Swing Session is a class, practice session, and dance rolled into one.  It happens every Monday, 8:00-10:30pm, at the Bay Vista Center, 7000 4th St S in St Pete (727-893-7124).  Learn a variety of swing dances from other dancers, meet other dancers, share/exchange ideas, try new moves, and get comfortable with your dancing in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.  Whether you're a novice or have been dancing for years, the Swing Session will expand & improve your dancing!  Admission is a mere $2 for St Pete residents ($5 the first time), or $3.20 for nonresidents.  More Info

Saturday, September 13th, and every 2nd Saturday of the Month, Swing City hosts a swing night with Lindy Hop in one room and West-Coast Swing in the other room!  Dancing starts at 8:30pm and costs $6.  The dance is preceded by an intermediate-level West-Coast Swing lesson at 7:30pm that's free with paid admission:  More Info

Hello...  I'm Charley Groth, the director of the Sunshine State Acoustic Music Camp, an annual music learning camp to be held Oct 10-12 in St Pete.  We have over 100 classes during the weekend dealing with a very wide range of musical subjects from guitar playing to songwriting to promotion/publicity.  Many genres of music are represented, including folk, country, traditional jazz, and swing.  This year, we are very lucky to have a set of classes offered by the mighty Jerry Carris of Jacksonville, one of the finest swing guitarists who ever stepped on a stage.  Jerry will be holding forth both Saturday and Sunday, sharing secrets, tips, and techniques with those who love swing.  He is truly a fabulous swing guitar player and a terrific teacher too.  By the way, I am a lifelong swing player myself (guitar, piano, mandolin), and an appreciative receiver of your e-mail Swing News.  Keep up the good work!  Click here for full info on the Music Camp.

Guinness World Record for Longest Dance Party broken by Swing Dancers!  More Info

Sep 11 (Thu):  Dancers Wanted for Cruise Tribute to Bob Hope & the USO.  Live Band, Dancing, Performances, Dance Contest, USO Theme Dress Contest, & More.  Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation.  Contact Pat Massey at 813-968-7000.

Atlanta's Summer Swing Jam weekend, Sep 11-14.  More Info

Sep 6 (Sat):  Midnight Ramblers & Midnight Bowlers League @ Skipper's.  More Info

Sep 5-7 (Fri-Sun):  Nathalie & Yuval Weekend @ Vero Beach.  More Info

Sep 11-13 (Thu-Sat):  Pretty Boy Freud @ Pleasure Island Jazz Co.  More Info

CitiJazz Swings in Orlando every Sunday & Monday.  More Info

Swingerhead plays Timpano's in Orlando Sep 18 (Thu) and once a month.  More Info

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