Aug5Written by:Phil Whitehead
Wednesday, August 05, 2009 
August Full Swing Express!
Wow, plenty of opportunities to get out there on the dance floor including new blocks starting this week. Read on for some great new events coming up including NZX09 and the next Happy Feet at an all new venue!
First off, a huge thank you to Damon, Lauren, Grace, Andrew, Peter, Sally-Ann and Becky for donating their time and dancing for the 2009 Telethon on Sunday morning. It was great fun and a great cause and you all put on an awesome performance. Thanks to you all and look out for a video link soon!
On the teaching side we have had a few changes this month and say a fond farewell to Hadley, who's made the move to Melbourne and Michelle (AKA Ms Tittle-Tatle) who will be leaving us shortly to start a new life in Hamilton. We will miss you both and the huge involvement you've had in the growth of swing and Burlesque in Wellington, and of course in the social scene! Best of luck with your new adventures.
Continuing our Burlesque classes we have the lovely Miss Busty la Belle who will be taking the reins over the next few weeks, and we also have two new trainee swing teachers to keep an eye out for, Andrew who will be assisting Sally-ann in Petone, and Damon who is currently assisting Becky at the Upper Hutt Cossie Club. Welcome!
1. New classes start tomorrow
2. NZX09
3. Happy Feet
4. Windy Lindy
5. Local Gig Guide
6. Upcoming Events in NZ, Australia & beyond
7. Swing Jam Birthday shout out
1. Class Update – New courses start this week (Wed and Thur)
An exciting week ahead with new 6 week courses starting this week in both the CBD (Wed) and Petone (Thur). Check out the times and details below. Reply to register your spot now!
City studio Wednesdays- 22 Webb St , Wellington (above the Locksmith shop)
Next block starts Weds August 12th - tomorrow - Book now!
Level 1 Lindy 6.00 - 7.00pm
Do you have friends, colleagues or family talking about starting a new hobby or new form of exercise? Bring them along to Beginners and watch them catch the Jitterbug! No partner or previous experienced required. We will take you through the basics and give you the confidence to get out there on the dance floor. Expect lots of great tunes! Please register so we can keep numbers as even as possible!
Level 2/3 7.15 - 8.15pm
Classes focus on pushing those swing limits! This is a mixed level class for those working at level 2 and those progressing to level 3, with a focus on technique!
Glitterbomb Burlesque - Level 1 8.30-9.30pm
Let Busty la Belle take you through the traditional burlesque basics from shimmies to pin-up posing and more. Learn to command a stage, gain confidence, body awareness and get that little extra oomph.. Whatever you use it for is up to you!
Small and friendly, this is a relaxed and fun course for ladies of all shapes and sizes, focussing on the traditional dance movement and "tease" element of the burlesque era.
Places are strictly limited and registration for the 6 week course is required in advance, so get in quick to secure your place. Bring your high heels and attitude! 18 and over only, please.your spot.
City studio Mondays- 22 Webb St , Wellington (above the Locksmith shop)
Starts Monday 24th August CBD
Level 1 Lindy 7.30 - 8.30pm
Do you have friends, colleagues or family talking about starting a new hobby or new form of exercise? Bring them along to Beginners and watch them catch the Jitterbug! No partner or previous experienced required. We will take you through the basics and give you the confidence to get out there on the dance floor. Expect lots of great tunes! Please register so we can keep numbers as even as possible!
Level 2 Lindy 8.30pm - 9.30pm
For dancers who have completed 2 Beginners blocks or those of you who want to hone their technique. The focus is on building up the basics (swing out, lindy circle etc) and lead/follow techniques while having a lot of fun. We can now link up moves, add styling and learn to play with the music.
Petone studio - Wilford School Hall on William Street
Starts Thurs 13th August – This week! – book now
Level 1 Lindy 7 - 8pm
See description above. Fantastic large floor, plenty of room to practise your swinging moves. This is usually a more intimate class which offers great 1 on 1 time!
Cost: All courses cost $60 per person for a 6 class pass, valid at either venue.
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2. NZX009 - The Greatest Exchange on Earth 28-31st August in Auckland!
Ok, if you haven’t registered for NZX by now....you are going to miss out on the BEST swing dancing weekend that Auckland has to offer in 2009! Now, why would you want to do that?!? If you haven’t registered, register now! There is honestly something for everyone from absolute beginners to advanced, so check out the website (http://www.jitterbugs.co.nz/nzx009).....even you newbies...come along on the Saturday night for the taster pass or dine and dance....you will love it!
They have international teachers from Singapore and Australia again (Sinclair Ang, Claudia & Dave and Shob & Andy) as well as serious numbers of swing dancers to party the night away with.
Three dance stream levels to suit all dancing levels - beginner/beginner plus, intermediate/advanced and a dedicated balboa stream! AND...a special INVITE ONLY advanced/teacher class for those needing more of a challenge.
At the camp you will get to experience a real camaraderie with a group of like minded keen swing dancers from around the country and overseas. Make new friends, reacquaint yourself with old faces and enjoy a real camp experience.
Accommodation is dorm-style with shared bathrooms. Food is prepared for you by the camp staff and they are well-versed on the kind of yummy, healthy, stamina-building food we need as dancers that dance from dusk til dawn! Please note that the camp is in Ararimu - 30mins drive south of Auckland CBD.
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3. August Happy Feet Dance – Saturday 22nd August New venue!
7.30pm - 11.00pm St Michael’s Church hall, 86 Upland Road, Kelburn. Come along for an awesome night of dancing at a new venue.
Dust off your dance shoes; pull out your nattiest threads... BYO a plate for the best dance supper in town.. tell your friends, and get your toes tapping...only $5 entry!!!
There is now a map on our locations page of the website too
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4. Windy Lindy 2009 - Annual Competition and Ball - Loaded Hog Ballroom November 14th with the Liberty Swing Band
Start practising those moves, get your outfits ready cos' the Sideshow is coming to town!
That's right, you've been to the Circus now come visit the Sideshow and check out all manner of human oddities.. the bearded lady? the friendly giant? they'll all be there for your viewing pleasure.
The competition starts at 6.00pm with our regular, fun and relaxed sections including Novice, Showcase and the entertaining Jack and Jill, followed by all night dancing to the Liberty Swing Band.
Tickets available soon. Yippeee!
Details of other events to keep your weekend chocablock will follow shortly, so mark your diaries now!
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5. Local Gig Guide
Shake your groove thing with all of these great upcoming events and if you havent yet, get online and join our facebook group "Full Swing" for up to date band gigs and happenings.
Check it out:
August Happy Feet Dance – Saturday 22nd August New venue!
7.30pm - 11.00pm St Michael’s Church hall, 86 Upland Road, Kelburn. Come along for an awesome night of dancing at a new venue.
Dust off your dance shoes; pull out your nattiest threads... BYO a plate for the best dance supper in town.. tell your friends, and get your toes tapping...only $5 entry!!!
There is now a map on our locations page of the website too
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Shaken Not Stirred – 14th August
This great danceable band are playing Friday 14th August at the Southern Cross on Able Smith Street and there looks like we'll have quite a group out dancing check them out from 9.30pm
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Stella Artois Ball: New York, New York – 15th August at the Fourkings
The Stella Artois Ball will be held on Saturday August 15. We are Fundraising for the skylight charity.
Tickets are $120, with $20 going to Skylight.
The entertainment for the evening is The Peter Urlich Swingin Sextet.
More info at www.stellaball.co.nz>
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Wellington Heads – 21st August
Another great Wellington band are playing from 9:30-10:30 at the southern Cross on Able Smith Street Only a week after Shaken not Stirred, so you get to dance two Fridays in a row.
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Liberty Swing Band – 6th September
As always Wellington’s finest big band are playing the first Sunday of each month at the Johnsonville RSA, 139 Johnsonville Road. Always a great evening, 6pm-8pm, and free entry.
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6. Upcoming Events
As well as NZX don’t miss another fabulous exchange down south. Have you booked yet??
Big Band Festival 2009, Christchurch 21st - 26th October 2009 Woweee, what a line up! Christchurch's annual exchange this year features some of the best teaching couples around; Hanna and Mattias from Sweden and Shance and Ruth from Perth!
Workshops, dancing and an endless supply of big bands for your dancing pleasure!
Check out http://hepcatswing.com/bbf/index.php for details and registration now!
7. Swing Jam Birthday shout out:
Happy birthday to our one and only August swinger!
* August 22nd - Helen Oram - Happy Birthday, Helen :)
If you know of anyone else having a birthday and in need of a jam remember to dob 'em in!
Until next month.. just keep swingin’
The Full Swing Team
www.fullswing.co.nz