Welcome to the official e-update from your Charlotte Swing Dance Society (CSDS)!  As always, get directions and more details on-line.  Check out CSDS for dances and info at www.charlotteswingdance.org.  (*) = new info

 

Support our Troops!!!  There’s still time to get tickets for the Charlotte USO Big Band Dance and fund raiser on Saturday, August 4th.  Since my son is one of the many troops in Iraq in 130 degree heat and in harms way, I’m shamelessly plugging this fundraising event.  The USO provides comfort to our troops as they travel and this is an opportunity they need to have well attended to provide that to our military.  They have planned an outstanding event and need you to show up to help them to help our military.  All proceeds benefit the Charlotte USO Center’s Service to the Troops.  They will have The Lake Norman Big Band with lots of great dancing, great entertainment during band breaks and heavy hor d’oeuvres.  Forties or WWII attire is encouraged.  There’s only 350 seats available.  Don’t wait to get your reservation.  Either see Denise Polsgrove at Grand Central Events on Mondays or at Lynn’s on Tuesday to get your ticket with cash or check or call them at 704-359-5581 if you’d like to put it on a credit card to reserve your spot.

 

It’s getting close to Great Gatsby time.  This is fabulous 20’s event is put on every year by the MS Society.  This year’s Great Gatsby event will be Saturday, August 18They will again have ASOTT (A Sign of the Times Big Band), that huge dance floor they had last year and incredible food from many popular Charlotte restaurants.  Those of you who rent your 20’s costumes may want to beat the crowd and get yours reserved while there’s still plenty of selection.  Tickets are now available, you can get them from Denise Polsgrove at Grand Central Events on Mondays and at Lynn’s on Tuesdays.  Charles Held who many also know is selling tickets.  You can also order them online at http://ncp.nationalmssociety.org/site/Calendar/2041016235?view=Detail&id=136042.  Please list Denise Polsgrove or Charles Held as your party host when ordering online.  CSDS will have 2 tables where dancers can set their stuff.  By all means come out to this great event but please be courteous to others in the VIP section where our tables are by not congregating too much around the tables as it blocks the view and obstructs the movement of others in the VIP section where we’ll be.

 

I’ve been involved in bank mergers for the last 10 years but this is the first swing merger I’ve been involved in.  Denise and Joe Polsgrove, The Charlotte Jitterbugs are teaming up with Kevin Connor & Kathy Schwartz who recently moved from the Washington, DC area are where they have enjoyed being a part of Gottaswing.com, the largest swing-only dance and promotion group in the country.  Since our philosophy was virtually the same as the DC group, with the permission and blessing of Gottaswing.com, we are now forming GottaswingCharlotte.com and will be adopting the Gottaswing.com format in our classes and in our promoting.  It’s our hope to team up with the DC group and bring more big name bands into town to enjoy dancing to and to reach out to the community to get more people interested (and hopeless looked) on swing dancing like we are.  We’re just getting our new site online.  We hope to have online registration ready on or around August 1st.  We begin the new class format for our 8-week lessons in August in two locations.  Tuesdays, Aug 21 at Lynn’s Speakeasy and Thursdays, August 23rd at Grand Central Events.

 

If you’re game to head out of town for some dancing next weekend, The Raleigh-Durham Lindy Party takes off next Friday, August 3 through Sunday Aug 5 with lots of live bands!  For all the latest info, go to www.rdlp.org.

 

If you have non-dancing friends who want to come and listen to great big band music by Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band, let them know that every Monday night at Grand Central Events there is a “Dance Survival” lesson from 7-7:45 PM taught by Denise & Joe Polsgrove before the big band dancing so folks new to dancing can come and learn some basic dance steps and have fun on Monday nights too.  While the music is played for all styles of dancing, there is plenty of music to swing dance to.

 

Brian Petrone has gotten a Rock Hill, SC dance event up and running on Monday nights at Celebrations.  It’s the bar inside the Ramada Inn right off of I-77 at Cherry Rd.  He’ll be doing a free lesson and will have some open dancing afterwards.  Lesson starts at 7:00 PM.  There will be a special demo by the new GottaswingCharlotte group and by Denise & Joe Polsgrove around 9:30 or 9:45 PM. 

________________________________   

 

Mark Your Calendars:

 

Dates for the next upcoming dances around the Charlotte area are...

 

Mon, July 30     Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, July 30    Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, July 31    Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Sat, Aug 4        The Big Chill - USO Dance with The Lake Norman Big Band

Mon, Aug 6     Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, Aug 6    Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, Aug 7    Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Mon, Aug 13     Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, Aug 13    Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, Aug 14    Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Sat, Aug 18      Wachovia Atrium, The Great Gatsby with A Sign of the Times Big Band

Mon, Aug 20     Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, Aug 13    Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, Aug 21    Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Thu, Aug 23     Grand Central Events – Swing Thursday

 

 

For directions and additional information, see below, or check the website:  www.charlotteswingdance.org

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_________________________________________  

Saturday, Aug 4  USO Dance with The Lake Norman Big Band

The Charlotte USO proudly presents a 1940-s USO Big Band Dance.  All proceeds benefit the Charlotte USO Center’s Service to the Troops.  Since opening 1 September 2006, they have had over 57,000 Troops and their families use the Charlotte USO.  Feeding over 5,000 a month requires a lot of fund raising to meet the budget since they are a 501 © (3) non-profit organization.  Please get out and Support our Troops and have a great time doing it!

 

7:00 PM to Midnight

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased up until the event.  You can purchase tickets through Denise Polsgrove on Monday nights at Grand Central Events or Tuesday night at Lynn’s Speakeasy.  Denise will also be able to receive ticket pre-sales on Monday the 30th at the Ramada Inn during swing night. 

 

There will be a cash bar and heavy hor d’oeuvres

Photographer will be onsite.

1940’s era attire encouraged

More info:  (remove the ZZZ) ZZZusodance@uso-nc.org or 704-359-5581

 

The Big Chill

911 E. Morehead

Charlotte, NC

704-347-4447

_______________________________________  

*Saturday, Aug 18  The Great Gatsby 20’s party with A Sign of the Times Big Band

The Great Gatsby Party is returning to celebrate its 19th year in Charlotte, NC.  The traditions of the Gatsby era will return with costumes and dancing on August 18th, 2007.  Guests will enjoy dancing along to live music, bidding on silent auction items and tasting a variety of food and drinks from local restaurants.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter is proud to host this event.  If hearing ASOTT (A Sign of the Times Big Band) isn’t enough, they will also have the same huge dance floor they had last year and all that fabulous food.  Tickets are now available, you can get them from Denise Polsgrove at Grand Central Events on Mondays and at Lynn’s on Tuesdays.  Charles Held who many also know is also selling tickets.  You can also order them online at http://ncp.nationalmssociety.org/site/Calendar/2041016235?view=Detail&id=136042.  Please list either Denise Polsgrove or Charles Held as your party host when ordering online.  CSDS will have 2 tables where dancers can set their stuff.  By all means come out to this great event but please be courteous to others in the VIP section where our tables are by not congregating too much around the tables as it blocks the view and obstructs the movement of others in the VIP section where we’ll be.

 

 

Wachovia Atrium

8:00 to Midnight

$40 Advance Tickets, $50 at the door (this will probably sell out so make sure you have an advance ticket)

Note:  Alcohol is served at this event so you must be 21 to attend

_____________________________________________  

 

LOCAL WEEKLY DANCING

___________________________________

MONDAYS - Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band at Grand Central Events

A smoke free location (with a separate cigar room for those who must smoke)

Remember the old “Swing 1000”?  This is the same place, just a different name.  Grand Central will be hosting Monday dancing with this fabulous band led by Bill Hanna.  The band is stocked with seasoned professionals like Dr. John Harding and talented college musicians.  Enjoy dancing to the sound of 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets and lots more.  There will be alcohol, soda and hors d'oeuvres available for purchase at this event.  You can come even if you aren’t 21 but can’t purchase or consume alcohol. 

 

Please remember the cover you pay at the door goes to pay the 19 band members.  The venue only makes money if you purchase a drink or food item.  If the venue doesn’t turn a profit, the event won’t be able to continue.

 

7-7:45 Dance Survival lesson for new dancers taught by Denise & Joe Polsgrove

8 PM-11 PM  Band plays

$10 Cover

($5 cover for students with valid ID)

Dress code is dressy casual for dancers.  Please no jeans, T-shirts or shabby shoes. 

 

Grand Central Events

1000 Central Ave

Charlotte, NC 28204

704-373-1699

www.grandcentralevents.com

When there are large crowds, the parking lot by the building will be full.  Be sure to review this map to be aware of additional parking available.

Map of Event and parking:  http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=d&hl=en&saddr=1241+E+10th+St,+Charlotte,+NC&daddr=1000+Central+Ave,+Charlotte,+NC+28204&ie=UTF8&om=1&msa=0&msid=111813570052080639575.000001129a74278d07c4a&ll=35.222379,-80.822436&spn=0.004014,0.007231&z=17

___________________________________________ 

MONDAYS – Celebrations Bar at Ramada Inn, Rock Hill, SC

Brian Petrone is doing Free Swing dance lessons on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at Celebrations in the Ramada Inn on Cherry Road in Rock Hill.  (This is right off of I-77 next to the exit).  Stay after lesson for dance practice.  The lessons and practice will continue each Monday evening.  

Ramada Inn
2640 Cherry Rd

Rock Hill, SC 29730

(803) 329-1122
For more information call:  803-984-3816

__________________________________________________________  

TUESDAYS - Swing Tuesdays at Lynn’s Speakeasy

Swing Tuesday is alive again and has been moved to Lynn’s Speakeasy with DJ Savoy Joe Polsgrove.

9:00-11:00 PM

$5 cover (for all – including members of Lynn’s)

No outside beverages or water bottles allowed.  We need to support the venue to ensure a weekly place to dance!!

Casual attire is fine. 

As you come each week, plan to sign in and get a wrist band for the weekly dancing.  Please remember to tip the bartender.

 

Lessons available from 7-7:50 and 8-8:50 PM but you must register for a series.  No drop ins

Contact Denise Polsgrove at denise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 for info on lessons

 

Lynn's Speakeasy

4819 S.Tryon Street

(704) 527-3064

http://www.lynns.20m.com

Directions to Lynns:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111813570052080639575.00000112b659d4359005a&ll=35.179666,-80.889952&spn=0.008033,0.014462&z=16&om=1

________________________________________________________________  

 

AROUND THE CAROLINAS....

________________________________________________________________  

Aug 3-5 Raleigh-Durham Lindy Party

It will be a celebration you won't want to miss. A private party at the Elk's Lodge, the Airmen's Ball with Mighty Lesterin the NCSU Talley Center Ballroom, Blues and Lindy Hop in separate rooms at the Velvet Cloak Inn and a few other NEW locations you won't want to miss:)

 For a full line-up of venues, pictures, DJ's and registration fly on over to www.rdlp.org . Or email the 'Flight Crew' at ZZZrdlpcommittee@gmail.com.   

____________________________________________  

Sept 14-16, 2007  Dirt Cheap Blues Exchange, Virginia Beach, VA

http://www.dirtcheapblues.com

15 Blues Artists! • 3 Bluesin' Days at the Beach • 3 Late Nites • 5 Groovin' DJs

Concerts are FREE! Late Nites only $40! How's That For Cheap?

__________________________________________  

Aug 29, 2007 - Mon, Sept. 3, 2007  Swing Out New Hampshire (SONH) Lindy Hop Dance Camp in Hebron, NH

http://www.swingoutnh.com

As of June 20th, all levels are still available at Swingout New Hampshire.  Registration is on target and if it is like last year will be sold out. 

Swing Out New Hampshire is a dance camp focusing primarily on Lindy Hop, offering four full days of classes and five nights of dancing at Camp Wicosuta in Hebron, NH. Wicosuta is a real kids' summer camp, and each summer, at the end of August, it transforms into SONH over an extended Labor Day Weekend. 

SONH features world class Lindy Hop instruction, as well as optional classes in other forms of swing dancing.

_______________________________________________ 

 

BEYOND THE CAROLINAS....

__________________________________________  

Aug 29, 2007 - Mon, Sept. 3, 2007  Swing Out New Hampshire (SONH) Lindy Hop Dance Camp in Hebron, NH

http://www.swingoutnh.com

As of June 20th, all levels are still available at Swingout New Hampshire.  Registration is on target and if it is like last year will be sold out. 

Swing Out New Hampshire is a dance camp focusing primarily on Lindy Hop, offering four full days of classes and five nights of dancing at Camp Wicosuta in Hebron, NH. Wicosuta is a real kids' summer camp, and each summer, at the end of August, it transforms into SONH over an extended Labor Day Weekend. 

SONH features world class Lindy Hop instruction, as well as optional classes in other forms of swing dancing.

_________________________________________ 

 

For other events around North and South Carolina, check out:

Greensboro, NCwww.piedmontswingdance.org

Raleigh/Durham, NC:  www.triangleswingdance.org  http://www.musicanddance.com  and a bunch of others...

Asheville, NCwww.danceasheville.com

Greenville, SCwww.swingreview.com

Charleston, SCwww.charlestonswing.com

______________________________________________  

 

Local Lessons:

______________________________________________  

Lynn’s Speakeasy

The Charlotte Jitterbugs, Denise & Joe Polsgrove, instructors

www.GottaswingCharlotte.com

 

*NOTE:  Starting Aug 21st and 23rd we are teaming up with Gottaswing.com, the largest swing dance only group in the nation and are becoming GottaswingCharlotte.com for our group lessons.  We will be adopting the Gottaswing lesson formats which have successfully taught swing dancing to 4000 people a year.  Lessons will be offered in two locations and registration will be available online on or around August 1st at www.GottaswingCharlotte.com.

 

Lynn's Speakeasy

4819 S.Tryon Street

(704) 527-3064

http://www.lynns.20m.com

Directions to Lynns  

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111813570052080639575.00000112b659d4359005a&ll=35.179666,-80.889952&spn=0.008033,0.014462&z=16&om=1

 

Tuesday, Aug 14  Shim Sham and Stray Cat Strut 2-hour workshop (7:00-9:00 PM)

Open to all.  The Shim Sham is a dance based on jazz steps done by swing dancers around the globe.  If you’ve been to the Monday night dancing at Grand Central Events you’ve probably seen several dancers doing the Shim Sham during the band breaks.  The jazz moves in this dance are also moves that contribute to being a more advanced swing dancer.  The Stray Cat Strut is a simpler swing line dance done to Brian Setzer’s Stray Cat Strut song.  $20 for this 2-hour workshop.  (This also includes the $5 cover for open dancing from 9-11 that evening.)   Please send an email to Denise@charlottejitterbugs.com to reserve your place in the class.  You may pay with cash or check the evening of the workshop. 

Tuesdays, Aug 21 – Oct 9     Beginning Swing Dance 7:00-7:50 PM (8 week series)

This class will cover basic 6 and 8 count swing dancing as well as basic partner Charleston moves.  Knowing how to do the material in this class will be the prerequisite to attend the Intermediate Swing Dance class. Register online on or around August 1st at GottaswingCharlotte.com.  For questions contact Denise Polsgrove at denise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304.

 

Tuesdays, Aug 21 – Oct 9     Intermediate Swing Dance 8:00-8:50 PM (8 week series)

To participate in this class, you should be able to do all of the material taught in the 8-week beginning swing dance class.  The intermediate swing dance class will continually change so that dancers can continue to learn a variety of moves and styles.  Register online on or around August 1st at GottaswingCharlotte.com.  For questions contact Denise Polsgrove at denise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304.

 

 

Grand Central Events

A smoke free location (with a separate cigar room for those who must smoke)

The Charlotte Jitterbugs, Denise & Joe Polsgrove, instructors

 

8 week classes begin Thursday, Aug 23

Thursdays, Aug 23 – Oct 11     Beginning Swing Dance 7:00-7:50 PM (8 week series)

This class will cover basic 6 and 8 count swing dancing as well as basic partner Charleston moves.  Knowing how to do the material in this class will be the prerequisite to attend the Intermediate Swing Dance class.  No partner necessary.  Register online on or around August 1st at GottaswingCharlotte.com.  For questions contact Denise Polsgrove at denise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304.

 

 

Thursdays, Aug 23 – Oct 11     Intermediate Swing Dance 8:00-8:50 PM (8 week series)

To participate in this class, you should be able to do all of the material taught in the 8-week beginning swing dance class.  The intermediate swing dance class will continually change so that dancers can continue to learn a variety of moves and styles.  Register online on or around August 1st at GottaswingCharlotte.com.  For questions contact Denise Polsgrove at denise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304.

 Sorry, no drop-ins allowed.

 

Open dancing Thursdays from 9-11 will follow lessons and is included for those registered for lessons.  A separate cover will be charged for those coming for dancing only.

 

Grand Central Events

1000 Central Ave

Charlotte, NC 28204

704-373-1699

www.grandcentralevents.com

When there are large crowds, the parking lot by the building will be full.  Be sure to review this map to be aware of additional parking available.

Map of Event and parking:  http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=d&hl=en&saddr=1241+E+10th+St,+Charlotte,+NC&daddr=1000+Central+Ave,+Charlotte,+NC+28204&ie=UTF8&om=1&msa=0&msid=111813570052080639575.000001129a74278d07c4a&ll=35.222379,-80.822436&spn=0.004014,0.007231&z=17

 

Please contact denise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 if you are interested in attending any of these classes to reserve your spot.  Registration is limited.

 

Group & private lessons plus dance demos and DJ services and lessons for weddings, social and corporate events. 

For more info, contact Denise Polsgrove at denise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304

 

Joe and Denise Polsgrove have been dancing together since 2001 and are known by their high energy dancing and performances that make you want to get out of your seat and onto the dance floor.  Because Denise was a nationally ranked gymnast, you are just as likely to see her in the air as on the floor as they dance.  They are often seen around the Charlotte, Fort Mill and Rock Hill area at community and private events, fund raisers, weddings, WWII dances, Rockabilly BBQs and more either dancing, teaching dance, DJing or all of the above.  They share their love of dancing with the community by offering lessons that are made easy and fun even for those with two left feet so others in the community can join them in this wonderful social activity. 

_____________________________________________________  

Celebrations Bar at Ramada Inn, Rock Hill, SC

Brian Petrone is doing Free Swing dance lessons on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at Celebrations in the Ramada Inn on Cherry Road in Rock Hill.  (This is right off of I-77 next to the exit).  Stay after lesson for dance practice.  The lessons and practice will continue each Monday evening.  

Ramada Inn
2640 Cherry Rd

Rock Hill, SC 29730

(803) 329-1122
For more information call:  803-984-3816

______________________________________   

Cornelius Parks and Recreation

Beginning and Intermediate Swing Classes

Anne Kurts & Rick Kipe, Instructors

 

$35 per participant for a 6 week long session.  The classes are held at the Bailey Road Recreation Center, located at 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius, NC

Wednesday Evenings

Beginner 6:00-7:00pm or Intermediate 7:15-8:15pm

 

July 18th - August 22nd

August 29th - October 3rd

October 10th - November 14th

 

Here's a link for more information and where people can register:

http://parks.sitewizard.biz/swingdance.html

For more info, contact Anne Kurtz at 540-230-0652

______________________________________  

The Johnston YMCA

Swing Dance Lessons (Balboa, Charleston, Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie and more)

Jack Kelly & Angela, Instructors
Class session details are at
www.lindybal.com.
See also
www.swingcatsociety.com.
704-965-0886
(remove the ZZZ)
ZZZjack@eyedialogue.com

 

No classes currently planned.  Check Jack’s websites in the meantime.

 

Johnston YMCA
3025 N Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28205

(704) 716-6300

_____________________________________  

Zoe’s Home Studio

Zoe Whittaker, Instructor

Check with Zoe about any upcoming lessons

 

Where: Zoë’s Home Studio

9408 E Lexington Circle

Charlotte NC 28213

(remove the ZZZ) ZZZzwhittaker@gmail.com

For more information call (828) 301-1586

 

_________________________________________________  

 

Did we miss anything?

 

Heard of any good bands coming to town?  Any events we might have overlooked?  Please feel free to pass along information for inclusion in the weekly update.  Just hit 'reply' to this message and give us the scoop.  We'll put it in the next e-mail!

__________________________________________