Hello Swing Fam,
There’s been a lot happening in our world lately, both on and off the dance floor, and we just want to say how grateful we are for this incredible community. Here’s everything you need to know this month:
🙌 Thank You to Our Amazing Team
A huge heartfelt THANK YOU to our beautiful teaching team from the Gold Coast to Mullumbimby who stepped up and kept Swing On In thriving while Ray and I took some time to deal with life.
Gold Coast Legends: David (RSO), Waka, Courtney, Dion, Amanda DB & Abbey
From Lindy Hop to Hip Hop to Bob Fosse Cabaret—you brought the magic!
Mullum Magic Crew: Grace & Chris, Deryn, Ian, Mel & Gabby
From Shim Shams to Big Apple, Balboa and beyond—you kept the joy alive.
We truly are blessed to be surrounded by such a passionate, generous and fun-loving Swing family. ❤️
New Class Structure (Continuing for Now)
We’ll be sticking with our current class format a little longer:
- Beginners: Ray + Deryn / Kellie / Chrissy
- Intermediate: Chrissy & Ray
- Int/Adv + Specialty Classes: David / Waka / Courtney / Dion / Ian / Amanda DB
A great mix of consistency and variety to keep everyone growing and inspired!
🎶 Sunday Sounds – We Need You!
📅 Sunday 10 May
📍 Paradise Parklands
⏰ Meet at 12:45pm | Dancing from 1pm
Join us for a fun afternoon of social dancing to live music, including crowd favourite Rhydian Lewis!
We’ll run a mini class, bust out the Shim Sham, and bring some flashmob-style swing energy to the park.
👉 Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cfzdq461X/
🐾 Sydney Swing Katz Recap
WOW… what an unforgettable weekend!
The Sydney Swing Katz brought energy, creativity and serious inspiration to our community. From aerials to boogie woogie to Lindy Hop—everyone walked away leveled up and smiling.
Special shoutout to Monique, our Workshop Mama, for holding it all together, and to Ray, who powered through and DJ’d like an absolute legend.
Hosting the Katz in at home made it even more special, their late night shenanigans are always a highlight, although I missed it this round, those at the table are still laughing! The weekend was full of non-stop dancing, learning, and connection. We can’t wait to have them back next year!
PIC: 2011 when I first met Justin and Mon..
🎷 Blues on Broadbeach
📅 15–17 May
This one’s just around the corner and it’s going to be HUGE!
Our very own Swingabilly Ray will be spinning tunes ahead of acts like Kitty Daisy & Lewis and The Teskey Brothers.
👉 Check it out: https://bluesonbroadbeach.com/artist/swingabilly-ray/
Cooly Rocks On
📅 4–8 June
Australia’s premier nostalgia festival is nearly here!
We’re incredibly proud that the Swing Ball, which Ray and I started over 20 years ago, is still one of the festival highlights.
This year we’re beyond excited to feature international swing band
Sam Ghezzi & His Dreammakers – bringing high-energy vintage vibes straight from Europe! Sam Ghezzi and His Dreammakers! Led by Sam Ghezzi, an Italian multi-instrumentalist, singer and bandleader of The Dream-Makers, the group are known for bringing the heat with their high energy performances: https://www.samghezzi.com/sam-ghezzi-blues-band/
👉 More info: https://www.coolyrockson.com
⚓ Byron Bay Lindy Exchange (BBLX) – Big News!
📅 16–18 October
🌐 byronbaylindyexchange.com.au
This year’s theme… NAUTICAL! ⚓🌊
Think:
- Aloha Beach Picnic
- Anchors Aweigh Welcome Dance
- Titanic Swing Ball
- Shipwrecked After Party
…and so much more!
💌 We need your help!
Grab postcards at class, send them to swing schools around the world, and help us spread the word.
🎟 Early Bird Full Weekend Passes are available now: HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/byron-bay-lindy-exchange-2026-full-weekend-pass
🎨 Got a design idea? Submit it for the 2026 Festival Shirt – winner gets a free shirt!
📲 Follow along: @byronbaylindyexchange
🌟 Legends of the Month
This one’s easy…
Ray’s Rhythm Recovery Squad!
What a crew. What a vibe. What legends. 💛
🎵 Song of the Month
Ray’s been spinning a fresh little number in class lately!
We’re always on the hunt for new tunes—if you’ve got a favourite, send it through and we’ll give it a whirl on the dance floor.
🍎 Move of the Month – The Big Apple
With Cooly Rocks On Swing Ball coming up… it had to be:
THE BIG APPLE!
The Big Apple dance
Originally a 1937 dance craze, this routine features a caller shouting moves while dancers follow along. The version we use is inspired by the legendary choreography from Frankie Manning and the iconic Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
It’s packed with classic moves and remains a staple of swing dance culture today. Huge thanks to Waka for her dedication in teaching and sharing this with everyone!
🎥 Get inspired and start practicing:
- https://youtu.be/H1K5M5xluZs
- https://youtu.be/E37mb1QROIw
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6voRT3H9GxM
That’s all from us for now, Swing Fam!
We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor—Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday!