Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Wichita Swing Dance Society

Hello dancers!  Tonight is a sad night, it's our final Swing Night at the Shadow.  The Shadow started supporting our group through these swing nights in February 2009, and have been tremendous partners ever since.
 
I sincerely hope you'll come out from 6-9 PM tonight to show your thanks to the Shadow, thanks they richly deserve.  Remember there will be DJ'd swing music, it's FREE, all ages are welcome, the indoors are smoke free, and there is a full food menu and a full service bar for your enjoyment.
 
We'll begin looking for another place to host these Swing Nights, but for now please, please come out and help us give Swing Nights at the Shadow a sendoff to remember.
 
Evan Borst
WSDS President

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Wichita Swing Dance Society

Hello dancers!  I'm already excited for Sunday, but first some notes for you....
 
1) Sunflower Swing needs your help!  If you can host a visiting dancer, we need you!  Fill out the form here:  http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/ani_housing.html  All it takes is somewhere for them to sleep (even if it's the floor) and access to a bathroom.  Please consider giving someone a place to crash!  We need volunteers to help run the event!  Setting up, taking money at the door, and many other easy tasks.  In return you can save money on your weekend pass or get in free to the specific event you help at!  Respond to this email if you're interested, there are enough spots available to accomodate your preferences.....for now.
 
2) Wichita represented itself well at The Rhythm is Jumpin in Kansas City this past weekend.  We had multiple dancers in the finals of the Jack & Jill and Strictly Lindy competitions, including a 2nd place finish in the Jack & Jill!  Be proud of your fellow dancers, and consider traveling to an event yourself!  They're listed below under Travel Opportunities, and are a great time!
 
THIS WEEK
Sunday is SOUL NIGHT!!!!!  We'll have normal music in the basement, but upstairs you'll have the chance to get down and get funky with the Foundations, the Temptations, The Four Tops and more!
 
Tuesday is the final Swing Night at the Shadow.  Please come support the venue that supported us for over a year, and get some free dancing in from 6-9 PM!
 
WORKSHOPS
It's all about Sunflower Swing, 2 days, 2 great sets of instructors, 8 classes for you to indulge your desire to learn.  Check out the class schedule here:
 
LIVE BANDS
If you aren't at Sunflower Swing you're missing the chance to indulge in a double dip of Live Music!  Pivot Point makes their debut playing for you on July 17th, while the Swing Daddies hit the studio like a hurricane on July 18th.  Each dance is $10, but it's cheaper with your weekend pass or if you volunteer!  Respond to the email to volunteer, go here to register:
 
BIG EVENTS
Third section in a row, July 16-18 is Sunflower Swing!  An event so big it takes an entire weekend to contain it.  Check out all the details here:
 
SUNDAY NIGHT CLASSES
June we mix it up and bring you blues!  Get down but not dirty and enjoy yourself!
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Blues
 
OTHER CLASSES
Monday nights - Lindy Bombers classes run every week at Morningstar Community Church!  Dedicated to improving your Lindy Hop, we have beginner and intermediate classes at 7:30 PM, advanced at 8:30 PM  Cost is $5 per night or $10 per month.  Check out www.lindybombers.com for more details!
 
Wednesday nights - Swing Class at Old Town Ballroom at 8 PM.  The current 8 week series is Lindy Hop, couples or individuals welcome, beginner/intermediate level.  Cost is $10/class or $60 for the whole session.  Check out www.oldtownballroom.com for directions.
 
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
Don't miss the chance to get a taste of swing dancing across the country!
 
July 23-25 in Minneapolis, MN is the Twin Cities Balboa Festival!
http://www.tcbal.com/
 
August 6-8 in Denver, CO is Lindy on the Rocks!
www.cmdance.org
 
September 16-19 in Omaha, NE is Cowtown Jamborama!
http://www.jitterbugs.org/Default.aspx?tabid=152
 
September 24-26 in Ft. Smith, AR is Southern Fried Swing!
http://itsaboutmomentum.com/sfs/
 
VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK
Here's what you missed last weekend at The Rhythm is Jumpin'
 
That's all for now, respond if you want to volunteer at Sunflower Swing, and get ready to get down at Soul Night!
 
See you Sunday!
 
Evan Borst
WSDS President

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Wichita Swing Dance Society

Hey everyone, just a reminder to you that tonight is Swing Night at the Shadow from 6-9 PM!  Free dancing to DJ'd swing music in a smoke free environment with delicious food and a full service bar.  All ages are welcome!
 
As some of you may know, the Shadow is closing later this month, but we have 2 Swing Nights left there.  The Shadow gave us a chance to make these swing nights work in February of 2009, and have been supportive ever since.
 
I simply can't tell you how gracious the Shadow has been in their unwavering support of the dance we all love.  I hope you will all join me tonight and next Tuesday at our final Swing Nights there to thank them for everything.
 
See you tonight!
 
Evan Borst
WSDS President

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Wichita Swing Dance Society

Hello dancers!  A few quick notes for you on Sunflower Swing:
 
1) We need hosts!  Our number of out of town dancers is growing, and they'd love a place to stay.  If you have a couch, futon, spare bedroom, or even a patch of floor you're willing to donate then go to http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/ani_housing.html and fill out our Volunteer Host Form!
 
2) We need volunteers to help run the event.  Setting up, tearing down, running the door, we need help and we need it from you.  You can save money on your weekend pass for volunteering, and you won't even miss out on that much of the weekend.  Respond to this email if you're interested!
 
THIS WEEK
Tonight at Bradley Fair there is a free dance from 7:30 - 9:30 PM with the Friends Jazz Ensemble playing.  Their program features big band music from the 40's, so feel free to head over and get some free dancing in!
 
Sunday is dance card Sunday and the start of blues classes!
 
Tuesday is Swing Night at the Shadow!  As several of you may have heard, the Shadow closes later this month.  That leaves us only 2 more chances to show them how much we have appreciated their support for the past 16 months.  Please come out and enjoy the evening from 6-9 PM!
 
WORKSHOPS
Sunflower Swing will feature 2 days of workshops with awesome instructors this July 16-18.  Check out the class details here:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary/Class_Schedule_2010.pdf
 
LIVE BANDS
Sunflower Swing will have 2 nights of live music.  Pivot Point will make their debut on July 17th, and the Swing Daddies will rock the house on July 18th!  Don't miss the chance to register today so you won't miss a minute of it:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/ani_registration.html
 
BIG EVENTS
June 13th is the triumphant return of.....SOUL NIGHT!!!!  You'll get your chance to get down to the greatest of STAX, Motown, and more!  Our regular music selection will be playing in the basement for those who prefer it.
 
July 16-18 is Sunflower Swing!  Check out all the awesome details for our 10th anniversary:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary.html
 
SUNDAY NIGHT CLASSES
June we mix it up and bring you blues!  Get down but not dirty and enjoy yourself!
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Blues
 
OTHER CLASSES
Monday nights - Lindy Bombers classes run every week at Morningstar Community Church!  Dedicated to improving your Lindy Hop, we have beginner and intermediate classes at 7:30 PM, advanced at 8:30 PM  Cost is $5 per night or $10 per month.  Check out www.lindybombers.com for more details!
 
Wednesday nights - Swing Class at Old Town Ballroom at 8 PM.  The current 8 week series is Lindy Hop, couples or individuals welcome, beginner/intermediate level.  Cost is $10/class or $60 for the whole session.  Check out www.oldtownballroom.com for directions.
 
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
Don't miss the chance to get a taste of swing dancing across the country!
 
July 23-25 in Minneapolis, MN is the Twin Cities Balboa Festival!
http://www.tcbal.com/
 
August 6-8 in Denver, CO is Lindy on the Rocks!
 
September 16-19 in Omaha, NE is Cowtown Jamborama!
 
September 24-26 in Ft. Smith, AR is Southern Fried Swing!
http://itsaboutmomentum.com/sfs/
 
VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK
From the Savoy 80th Anniversary, a bit of tap dancing to a live band...
 
OTHER DANCES
June 15 - Swing Night at the Shadow
 
 
That's it for now dancers, hope to see you out and about this week, several fun chances to dance!
 
See you Sunday!
 
Evan Borst
WSDS President

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Wichita Swing Dance Society

Hello dancers!  A few dance opportunities this week you definitely want to pay attention to, but first a quick note or two:
 
1) The Tulsa roadtrip has been cancelled due to lack of response.  We'll try this again another time.
 
2) We still need a few leads for the Bradley Fair gig this Saturday, please respond if available.
 
3) Sunflower Swing is one week closer!  What's been going on lately?  We are set with our 2nd band of the weekend: Pivot Point will play Saturday night.  Members have played with everyone from the Andrews Sisters to Brian Setzer, we're very excited.  We're also getting our DJ schedule filled out with guest DJ's from California, Omaha, and Kansas City!  Head to our website to learn more and get registered!
 
4) We have a growing number of out of town guests coming to Sunflower Swing, and they're looking for places to stay!  If you're interested in housing a dancer, please visit our website:
And fill out the Volunteer Host Form!
 
THIS WEEK
Saturday is the Old Town Ballroom 1 year anniversary party.  It runs from 8-11 PM, delicious catered food and a fun mix of dancing can be yours for just $10.
 
Sunday is another chance to dance your cares away and catch the Advanced East Coast classes.
 
Tuesday is Swing Night at the Shadow!  We had a great crowd last week, come check out our mid-week free dance venue!  Going strong for over a year now!
 
WORKSHOPS
Sunflower Swing will feature 2 days of workshops with awesome instructors this July 16-18.  Check out the class details here:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary/Class_Schedule_2010.pdf
 
LIVE BANDS
Sunflower Swing will have 2 nights of live music.  Pivot Point will make their debut on July 17th, and the Swing Daddies will rock the house on July 18th!  Don't miss the chance to register today so you won't miss a minute of it:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/ani_registration.html
 
BIG EVENTS
June 13th is the triumphant return of.....SOUL NIGHT!!!!
 
July 16-18 is Sunflower Swing!  Check out all the awesome details for our 10th anniversary:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary.html
 
SUNDAY NIGHT CLASSES
May we give you yet another chance to brush up on your east coast swing, check out the schedule below:
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Advanced East Coast
 
June we mix it up and bring you blues!  Get down but not dirty and enjoy yourself!
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Blues
 
OTHER CLASSES
Monday nights - Lindy Bombers classes run every week at Morningstar Community Church!  Dedicated to improving your Lindy Hop, we have beginner and intermediate classes at 7:30 PM, advanced at 8:30 PM  Cost is $5 per night or $10 per month.  Check out www.lindybombers.com for more details!
 
Wednesday nights - Swing Class at Old Town Ballroom at 8 PM.  The current 8 week series is Lindy Hop, couples or individuals welcome, beginner/intermediate level.  Cost is $10/class or $60 for the whole session.  Check out www.oldtownballroom.com for directions.
 
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
Don't miss the chance to get a taste of swing dancing across the country!
 
June 4-6 in Kansas City, KS is The Rhythm is Jumpin.  This will be awesome and nearby!  Register soon for the ultra cheap price!
http://www.therhythmisjumpin.com/
 
July 23-25 in Minneapolis, MN is the Twin Cities Balboa Festival!
http://www.tcbal.com/
 
VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK
From the International Lindy Hop Championships, a little routine that always makes me smile...
 
 
That's it for now dancers!  Register for Sunflower Swing soon, the price goes up in June!
 
See you Sunday!
 
Evan Borst
WSDS President

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Hello dancers! Hope you've had a great week of dancing! Here are more things to look forward to:

1) Our roadtrip is coming up! We're visiting Tulsa, OK for their Swingin' Saturday dance on May 22nd. We'll plan to carpool from the studio at 3:30 PM, respond to this email if you're interested!

2) Sunflower Swing is getting closer by the day! We'll have 2 pairs of instructors teaching 2 days of workshops and 2 live bands. I promise there are a lot more than 2 reasons to register, go here to find some:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary.html

THIS WEEK
Sunday is another Swingin' Sunday and Advanced East Coast classes

Tuesday is Swing Night at the Shadow! FREE dancing from 6-9 PM! Smoke free, all ages welcome, and a delicious food menu make this the place to be in the middle of the week.

WORKSHOPS
Sunflower Swing will feature 2 days of workshops with awesome instructors this July 16-18. Check out the class details here:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary/Class_Schedule_2010.pdf

LIVE BANDS
Sunflower Swing will have 2 nights of live music. Pivot Point will make their debut on July 17th, and the Swing Daddies will rock the house on July 18th! Don't miss the chance to register today so you won't miss a minute of it:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/ani_registration.html

BIG EVENTS
June 13th is the triumphant return of.....SOUL NIGHT!!!!

July 16-18 is Sunflower Swing! Check out all the awesome details for our 10th anniversary:
http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary.html

SUNDAY NIGHT CLASSES
May we give you yet another chance to brush up on your east coast swing, check out the schedule below:
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Advanced East Coast

June we mix it up and bring you blues! Get down but not dirty and enjoy yourself!
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Blues

OTHER CLASSES
Monday nights - Lindy Bombers classes run every week at Morningstar Community Church! Dedicated to improving your Lindy Hop, we have beginner and intermediate classes at 7:30 PM, advanced at 8:30 PM Cost is $5 per night or $10 per month. Check out www.lindybombers.com for more details!

Wednesday nights - Swing Class at Old Town Ballroom at 8 PM. The current 8 week series is Lindy Hop, couples or individuals welcome, beginner/intermediate level. Cost is $10/class or $60 for the whole session. Check out www.oldtownballroom.com for directions.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
Don't miss the chance to get a taste of swing dancing across the country!

May 22nd is our road trip to Tulsa! Keep your eyes open for details!

June 4-6 in Kansas City, KS is The Rhythm is Jumpin. This will be awesome and nearby! Register soon for the ultra cheap price!
http://www.therhythmisjumpin.com/

July 23-25 in Minneapolis, MN is the Twin Cities Balboa Festival!
http://www.tcbal.com/

VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK
A little competitive social dancing, a lot to love here.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvMBVSDMFFo

EXTRA EVENTS
May 25th - Swing Night at the Shadow

That's it for now, don't miss out on all the awesome dancing at Riverfestival!

See you Sunday

Evan Borst
WSDS President

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Hello dancers! We still need people interested in helping us with the Riverfest Parade! If you want to help with construction, painting, ideas, costume procurement, or even dancing in the parade, then respond to this email or catch our signup on Sunday Night! This is a great chance for all of you to have fun and promote the best dance club in town. Any amount of assistance is appreciated!

Sunflower Swing is coming up fast this summer. Check out our website www.wichitaswingdance.com for details. The price goes up May 1st, so don't hesitate to reserve your spot for an awesome weekend full of dance.

For all of you members, we are making a few procedural changes that effect you:
1) You will no longer receive a letter reminding you to renew your membership
2) You will be asked to show your membership card when you pay, so please carry it, and if you have lost yours, please request a replacement soon!

A few special dance opportunities this week, so read carefully.....

THIS WEEK
Saturday is Swing on This! It's a great opportunity to brush up on your dancing and have fun! The flyer is attached, but here are the details:

*Noon - 4:45 PM we have 4 classes taught by Evan and Oscar, with a choice for you the dancer each hour! Beginner friendly options available each hour, and classes ranging from Charleston to fancy moves, to fun fundamentals to variations for lead and follow.

*9 PM - 1 AM is your chance to practice what you learned, or just party! It's a dance with contests and prizes, plus a chance to buy cheap passes to The Rhythm is Jumpin' (Check out the TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES section)

*Classes are $10 each and the dance is $5....or.....the whole day is yours for just $30! Don't miss out as it will be a great time.

Sunday is the final Sunday of the month, which means it's time for a Birthday Jam! If you were born in the month of April we'll have a special dance just for you.

WORKSHOPS
Saturday is Swing on This at Old Town Ballroom!

July 16-18 is Sunflower Swing, which will include 8 hours of classes. Register today at http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary.html

LIVE BANDS
May 1st - We've been invited to a Benny Goodman Tribute with Dave Bennett! Check out the attached flyer for details, they have special dance areas set up, so you will get the chance to dance!

July 16-18 is Sunflower Swing, we'll have the Swing Daddies, and we're working on a second band as we speak! Register today at http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary.html

BIG EVENTS
June 13th - back by popular demand......SOUL NIGHT!!!!!!

If you haven't heard, July 16-18 is Sunflower Swing! One (possibly two) live band, 8 hours of dance classes, 3 nights of dancing, all to celebrate 1 awesome decade of dancing! Register today at http://www.wichitaswingdance.com/anniversary.html

SUNDAY NIGHT CLASSES
April we're kicking it up a notch with Partner Charleston! Great for your East Coast, Lindy Hop, or all by itself!
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Partner Charleston

May we give you yet another chance to brush up on your east coast swing, check out the schedule below:
Upstairs:
6:30 - Beginner Swing I
7:15 - Beginner Swing II
Downstairs:
6:30 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
7:15 - Advanced East Coast

OTHER CLASSES
Monday nights - Lindy Bombers classes run every week at Morningstar Community Church! Dedicated to improving your Lindy Hop, we have beginner and intermediate classes at 7:30 PM, advanced at 8:30 PM Cost is $5 per night or $10 per month. Check out www.lindybombers.com for more details!

Wednesday nights - Swing Class at Old Town Ballroom at 8 PM. The current 8 week series is Lindy Hop, couples or individuals welcome, beginner/intermediate level. Cost is $10/class or $60 for the whole session. Check out www.oldtownballroom.com for directions.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
Swing Dance is big across the country, and these are events you can travel to that will prove it. You can buy cheap passes to The Rhythm is Jumpin' at the workshop this weekend. That event is shaping up to be awesome, don't miss out.

April 30-May 2nd in Minneapolis, MN is Midwest Lindyfest!
http://www.midwestlindyfest.com/index.php

June 4-6 in Kansas City, KS is The Rhythm is Jumpin. This will be awesome and nearby! Register soon for the ultra cheap price!
http://www.therhythmisjumpin.com/

July 23-25 in Minneapolis, MN is the Twin Cities Balboa Festival!
http://www.tcbal.com/

VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK
As we near the 1 year anniversary of Frankie Manning passing, I thought this clip was appropriate. A little bit of Frankie dancing (he's in his late 60's to early 70's here) and a bit of story telling. Simply awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e00F7OimG6U

EXTRA EVENTS
April 27th - Swing Night at the Shadow!

May 10th - Swing Dance at Riverfest with the Swing Daddies! Check out www.wichitariverfestival.com for details!

May 11th - Oldies Sock Hop at Riverfest with the Benders! Check out www.wichitariverfestival.com for details!


That's about all for now, a lot to look forward to between now and this summer! See you all at Swing on This!

Evan Borst
WSDS President

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