This last Tuesday November 7, 2007 the Arizona Swing Cats met as usual. The lesson this time seemed a bit more advanced even for some of the more experienced members. It really took basic Lindy to the next level. By delaying the swing out by just one count and adding a bit more tension it allowed for the follow to have a wider swing out and left her more space and time for styling. I personally found that the timing and the actually styling tricky at first, but it was a lot of fun once I got the hang of it. I also feel like several others including myself were forced to really concentrate on their timing and connection in their basic Lindy technique. So even if one didn’t quite get the styling down at least their Lindy might have gotten a bit stronger.

Go here and check out this video to see what I am talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NamF1Xh2p4g&feature=related

At the end of the lesson there were several exciting announcements. First off, this Friday is the second Friday of the month which means that Lucky Swings will be taking place at the Methodist Church near Silver Mine Subs, just off University across from the Tyndle parking garage. I am not sure who is hosting the dance now that Stryder has left, but I am sure it will still be a great time for those who would like to attend. The next announcement was that the Phoenix Lindy Exchange is this weekend. So for those who want a bit more dancing than will be offered in Tucson on Friday night, they are encouraged to come dance all weekend in Phoenix.

The cost for the whole weekend is $72 and you can register at: http://www.phoenixlindyexchange.com/. If you can not make it up for the whole weekend, you can also pay for individually for each dance that will be held. The schedule and cost of each event is also on the website.

From what I hear the weekend will be amazing. It happens to be the same weekend as a jazz festival so there will be some great bands to both dance and listen to. I also heard that some cool cats are coming from everywhere from California to Great Britan! So ladies don’t miss your chance to dance with these studs! In the event that you would rather just chill in Tucson and go to Lucky Swings, yours truly will be attending the whole shebang in Phoenix and will tell all about in the next blog. So check back soon for more Swing’n News!!

Swing Cats is the place to go if you want to get in on the swing scene in Tucson. "There is a swing dancing scene in Tucson?" you ask. Of course there is!
For those UA students who want to get in on the scene, Arizona Swing Cats has been doing lessons since the beginning of this semester, but it is NEVER too late to join. With every single lesson the club receives new and in experienced dancers, and for them there will always be someone there to show them the basics along with the lesson that is going on.

Swing Cats meets every Tuesday night. The lesson begins at 7:30 and goes to 8:00 p.m. then from 8pm until 10pm there is free dancing so that you can practice what you learned and learn more from other dancers. Swing Cats costs you nothing if you wold just like to come learn and dance. If you would like to become a member of Swing Cats which will allow you to get into local dances for a discounted rate, a year long membership is just twenty dollars.

Now, when one talks about swing dancing many different types of dancing come to mind. Swing Cats primarily focuses on East Cost Swing, which is "East Coast Swing is a circular, rotating swing dance that has many wraps, tunnels, and turns. The basic step is: triple step, triple step, rock step." ( the dance store online) and Lindy Hop, "also known as Jitterbug, is the authentic Afro-Euro-American Swing dance. It is an unabashedly joyful dance, with a solid, flowing style that closely reflects its music -- from the late 20's hot Jazz to the early 40's Big Bands."( dancing.org). Charleston, Balboa and Blues are also a few kinds of dances these crazy cats will try. To see how it's done and make you're way into Tucson's swing scene, go be a cat I know everyone wants to! For more information check out: http://www.tucsonswingcats.com/

Sources:
http://www.thedancestoreonline.com/ballroom-dance-instruction/east-coast-swing-free-lessons.htm#description

http://dancing.org/lindy-what-is.html