International French Dance Champion – Florinne Besse will be guest teaching Boogie Woogie for 2 months
Swing Festivals and Dance Camps
Public Displays, Troupe and Demos – Why are they important?
For the Boys: 23-ways-a-lindy-hop-lead-can-up-their-style-game
Interesting Reads
Classes:
Welcome to all our new and old swing dance students & friends. What a bumper start to Classes this year and it was so wonderful to have those dance floors full and the rooms filled with laughter!
TUESDAYS – Mermaid Beach Bowls Club (Starting 29th January)
WEDNESDAYS – Bangalow Bowlo
THURSDAYS – International French Champion teaching Boogie Woogie Class – Venue TBA – More detail below
SUNDAY 3 MARCH – Sunday Swing Sesh – Kingscliff
SATURDAY 9TH OF MARCH: – The WWII Blitz Party – Details Below
Friday 15 February: Swing dancing at Sanctuary Markets – FREE – With DJ Swing A Billy Ray
Join us as we take the most perfect dance floor amongst the community of people partaking in the fun, the food, the wine and the ambience of the Currumbin Sanctuary Markets. Enveloped in the serenity of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, These markets are so very popular, packed and fun ! Full of delight..
Join Swing On In as we take the floor for nearly 2 hours of social dancing, delighting, entertaining and indulging in the dance we love the most, The Lindy Hop, to the greatest of Swing Tunes! Every Dancer welcome.. Lets Take the Floor Together and entertain and show the guests how to dance, laugh, play and have fun with Swing Dancing!
BRING THE JOY!
6pm to 7.30pm:* Lovely Dance Floor
* Licensed Venue
* Food & Bev Available
* Family Friendly
Usually 3RD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH – BUT February will be FRIDAY 8TH OF FEBRUARY : The Bangalow Dance Party with Swing on In and Sebastiaan..
EVERYONE WELCOME… Ready to burn some holes into those soles with your swivels, swingouts and style? Join us for our monthly social dance on the best dance floor in NSW. Great friends, community spirit, AWESOME music and great dancing.
7PM til late.. FREE..
**NEW** – 1st SUNDAY of the Month now will be our Sunday Swing Sessions popping up at different places.
First one is Sunday 3rd of February:
Join us for Lazy Sundayzzz swing dancing at different cool locations to cruisy swing tunes as played by our favourite DJ’s.
FEBRUARY Venue: Mermaid Beach Bowls Club – Barefoot Bowls, Beers & Beats, 2 DJ’s and dance floor to dance your afternoon away.. Kids Welcome
Dance, Chill, Eat, Drink, Repeat!
$10pp includes Barefoot Bowls
Saturday 9th of March: Run for cover! The Swing On In Blitz Party is at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse!
* Live music by the Swing Band MORSE CODE! plus two guest DJ’s
* Strictly Limited Tickets – First In will be saved!
* Bomber Cocktails and Alcohol Coupons on Sale
* Spam and other goodies on sale to re-stock your ration packs * Dress Code: 1940s glam, home front utility clothing and allied uniforms all welcome.
(Whilst we appreciate the need to “make do and mend” The SOI WWII Blitz Party operates a strict 1940s dress code. Denim may be acceptable in the munitions hall and trainers do squeak nicely in the gymnasium, but that is where they should remain.)
So…. channel your inner victory curled good time girl or a moustachioed RAF hero… Don’t forget your Ration Bag, Gas Mask and Helmet and please do bring your good times self and pack all those troubles in your old kit bag for a few hours and dance, eat, drink, play, watch news reels and immerse yourself…
There will be lots of surprises, thrills and air raids to keep you on your toes!
** Upon booking, you will be given a “PASSWORD” in which you will have to research how to say said word using Morse Code for your entry i.e.: “RUN” is .-. ..- -. and so on…
You will entry via the Fire Escape Door, give your code to the Red Cross Nurse On Duty and enter the Bunker…
There is limited space in the Bunker so tickets are limited to 60 pax.. First in will be saved!
Brought to you by Swing On In. Please call us if you have any questions: Mob: 0408306560 or email: [email protected]
www.swingonon.com.au | Tickets at www.mosdesertclubhouse.com
WELCOME to Boogie Woogie with France’s Reigning Champion – Miss Florine Besse:
Classes Commencing in February and will run for 2 months on a Thursday – Venue TBA
Who is she?
Background:
My name is Florine Besse and I’m 19. I started dancing Boogie Woogie at 5 in France.
In 2015, I decided to compete with my partner. We became member of the French team in 2015. In 2016, we became champion of France and we finished 7th at the world championship.
I’m still competing at an international level and I’m also a dance teacher in France.
What is Boogie Woogie? Dance: (Taken from Herring Dance Camp)
The dance form was originally inspired by American Rock ‘n’ Roll/Lindy Hop dancing of the 1950s, but gradually developed its own European style and personality. Boogie Woogie is a playful and improvised couple dance, often in medium or slightly fast tempi, with a significant footwork based on musical interpretation. Boogie Woogie of today functions as a social dance, but is sometimes recognized even more as an established competition dance. In Herräng, the social side of the dance will be emphasized and in focus..
Music: Boogie–woogie is a musical genre that became popular during the late 1920s, developed in African-American communities in the 1870s. It was eventually extended from piano, to piano duo and trio, guitar, big band, country and western music, and gospel. … And when I tell you to get it, I want you to Boogie Woogie!
Public Displays, Troupe and Demos – Why are they important?
From time to time we get asked to attend events, activate spaces, showcase social dancing or perform for corporate gigs and festivals. Some are paid gig but the majority are free entertainment. When we call out for dancers it’s usually because there is an opportunity to showcase the dance we love so much and to also increase awareness around the benefits and joy of partner dancing, namely Lindy Hop and the Swing Umbrella derivations. It’s a time to shine, showcase, step up and step outside of your comfort zone. It does improve your dancing as it forces you to have a heightened awareness to your dance (Wanting to dance your best in public). This also, (of course) grows the swing dance community and our Swing On In Family. It’s a win win, so… if you haven’t put your hand up before now when I’ve called out for dancers, why not make 2019 your year to shine. As ever, Ray and I are completely thankful and feel blessed for your support. Dance Troupe, well this is a whole extra level of commitment I need from you… Just like our Game On Commonwealth Games Troupe, the new dance troupes I am forming require commitment in the learning and that means extra training and travel but its worth it. You get pushed, you push yourself, you fast track to being a better Lindy Hopper. Talk to me if you want to make this committment.
For the Boys: 23-ways-a-lindy-hop-lead-can-up-their-style-game
“Dressing well is form of good manners.” – Tom Ford
FYI.. One of my favourite all time Dapper Gents is the infallible DANDY WELLINGTON – Check out his style HERE.. not for everyone but this Chap defines Dandy.
One wonderful thing about being a swing dancer is that often times when you get infected with the dance bug you often also find yourself wanting to invest a little more in your style. Shine your shoes and slick your hair, so goes the song by Fats Waller. You want to look the part. Dressing nice is one more piece in the puzzle of how to bridge the gap between old photographs and video footage — and yourself. Dancing and fashion — they really do go hand in hand. Vintage clothes are wonderful, but you can also find ways to accent your style with modern, but classic fare as well.
Teaching, going to dances, pictures of yourself on Facebook… all good times to look your best. If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re interested in dressing a little better. If nothing else, looking a little more dapper in all those years of pictures is going to pay dividends for a long time to come.
It might start with a new shirt, or a new tie, or dusting off an old suit that you saved exclusively for weddings and funerals (most likely from your pre-dance years). Once you put a little more effort into your look, all of the sudden more people ask you to dance. You seem somehow more trustworthy. People notice. Your confidence level goes up. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle that fuels your dancing.
Now, some of these tips below might be old news to you, but they took me a little while to gather and put to use for myself. Enjoy!
Swing On In's Chrissy Keepence and Ray are two cool cats. Their vivacious personalities and enthusiasm really motivate students at all levels. From beginner to advanced, they treat each dancer... Read More
Kate McDonald – Bleach Festival Director,
The Swing on In Dancers have been involved in multiple Bleach Festival’s events including the larg-escale production, The Inaugural Annual Dance Affair. They were an absolute hit. We love their... Read More
Madonna Williams – Willams Talent Management,
Working with Ray is a dream come true for organisers booking DJs or looking for entertainment 20’s – 80’s. He’s professional, reliable, fun to work with and delivers a brilliant,... Read More
We have had the greatest time learning our Wedding Dance with you Two,
We have had the greatest time learning to dance with you two. It's such a fun thing to do together, kind of our special time together each week which has... Read More
Tahlia Shontelle,
So much fun and filled with amazing friendly people! Read More
Bruce Atkinson,
I have been dancing for 16 years both modern jive.rock n roll and swing and in my opinion Swing is the most social and energised of them all just one... Read More
Sue Watson,
The most friendly and welcoming dance group on the Gold Coast Read More
Janelle Mason,
Just dropped in to Tuesday night Swing On In class and absolutely loved it! Fantastic teachers, fantastic dancers! See you next week. Read More
Nicola Matt Jones,
Fantastic ppl fantastic teachers and a whole lotta fun Read More
Francesca Esposito,
How lucky are we to have Chrissy & Ray Keepence teach us Swing Dancing right here in Bangalow.... Taught directly by Frankie Manning himself the grandfather of Swing Dancing, this... Read More
Rhydian Lewis,
Ray and Chrissy are both truly gifted in their abilities to teach swing to any age group. There love of this genre is infectious and they keep classes exciting and... Read More
Tina-Louise King,
I can't thank the teachers Ray, Chrissy enough for bringing Swing Dancing into my life. They are wonderful teachers and it has become "my happy place" every week. I've also... Read More
Michael Janda,
Loads of fun, Ray and Chrissie are awesome teachers who always take the time to make sure everyone learns at their own pace. I never would have thought I'd enjoy... Read More
Danielle Read,
Swing dancing has opened my eyes to a whole new love that I didn't know existed! Ray and Chrissy's expert feedback and patient teaching style makes every class rewarding, exciting... Read More
Jack Green,
I started going to swing on in 9 months ago and I plan to keep going it's lots of fun Read More
Danielle Cherrier,
I never learnt to dance before I joined Swing on in. I totally enjoy the experience, great teachers, Ray and Chrissy, great atmosphere, very friendly, lots of fun Read More
David Tranter,
We always have a great time at Swing On In dance classes. There's always lots of great dance moves to learn and heaps of friendly people to dance with. Read More
Roy Bunyan,
This time round we'll be taking our lindy hop to the dance floor replacing the comfortably familiar RnR Read More
Bonnie Rose,
I have always wanted to Swing Dance & Ray was such an awesome teacher. Everyone at the classes are so friendly & welcoming! Read More
Simone DeYong,
Swing On In is awesome! Chrissy and Ray are excellent teachers and superb dancers, no matter what dance level you are at they are very welcoming. Highly recommended! Read More
Krystal Lea Turner,
As soon as I get to Queensland I will be there for sure! Chrissy and Ray are not only incredible people with hearts of hold they are also incredibly talented... Read More
Hannah Tysoe,
Ray & Chrissy are both as amazing dancers and people. They are so passionate about everything they do. I'm absolutely mesmerised every time I watch them dance. They at an... Read More
Suzanne Reid,
Wonderful, talented teachers and both with a beautiful personality to match! Read More
Stuart Manahan,
Started Lindy Hop with Chrissy and Ray many years ago and they gave me the foundation on which to build my Swing dancing. Lindy Hop has taken me all over... Read More
Sharon Buckley,
Awesome peeps and great Lindy hop dancing for all ages!!! Read More
Amos Blacker,
Ray and Chrissy are excellent teachers and make it a fun experience. Lindy Hop is in my opinion a life skill. Improvised social dancing is where it's at for me... Read More
Denny Neave,
With out a doubt the best dance group in Australia!! Read More
Bryan Bates,
Do yourself a favour and learn about this stylish and spirited style of partner dancing with the best teachers I could imagine. I love Chrissy and Ray's energy and humour... Read More
Amanda Jane,
Love going to class each week with Chrissy and Ray. Such fun, great exercise and you get to meet some wonderful people. Read More
Harry Deluxe,
Fabulous dancers, amazing (and most patient) teachers ;-p, incredible people! Wish they were able to get to Perth more often Read More
Pic Sta,
Great teachers and great fun. Highly recommended! Read More
Charlotte Elizabeth Georgia,
Excellent classes, it's amazing what you can learn in one or two lessons, even with two left feet! Very welcoming and warm and as fun as you make it. Read More
Madeleine Mayhem,
Ray & Chrissy are both amazing dancers and absolutely delightful people. They are so passionate about everything they do, and open their hearts to assisting others in so many ways..... Read More
Geoff Lewis,
Expert helpful instruction, loads of fun, beautiful people, great exercise - what's not to love! And thanks for the inspiring clips from the original swing era. Read More
Jonathan Adnitt,
Fantastic........Chrissie and Roy are the Best! Always happy, always patient, a lovely friendly atmosphere and a pleasure to look forward to every week........Betty Read More
Kerry McDonald Baunach,
On Wednesday night at Bangalow Swing on In, I have a great time, smile all night, laugh at Ray's jokes and learn to dance at the same time. Our teachers... Read More
Kelsey Walker,
I was hooked after my first lesson! Amazing people and an amazing atmosphere! Ray and Chrissy are fantastic teachers. Something about swing really invigorates the soul. I guarantee that if... Read More
Tony Wadeson, Liaison Officer for the Kirra SLSC. – 100 Year Beach Celebrations 2016.
“We had the pleasure of working with Ray Keepence last year when he did a gig for our Surf Life Saving Club. Ray acted as a DJ and provided Music,... Read More
QT Gold Coast have been working with Swing-A- Billy Ray Dj Entertainer Services for over 3 years. Ray and his team consistently provide slick, professional entertainment for both our corporate clients... Read More
Mrs Jenny Murtagh, Ashmore,
Ray Keepance has been my go to music man for 15years. He has provided music for all different occasions for us from birthdays, weddings, funerals, yes funerals. He has the... Read More
The Loefflers, (Chicago Band “Chenille”)
While he may go by the name Swing-a- billy Ray, he is no one trick pony. We have known ray for the past 17 years. Ray began working for us... Read More